Medicare Parts B & D: IRMAA Surcharges Rising in 2026
- Author: Elizabeth Miller
- Posted: 2025-11-18
Medicare beneficiaries face higher costs in 2026 as IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) surcharges increase.
Both income thresholds and surcharge amounts are rising, affecting many retirees unexpectedly.
New IRMAA Income Thresholds for 2026
-
Single filers: $109,000+
-
Joint filers: $218,000+
-
Top bracket frozen until 2028, meaning some high earners pay more than inflation-adjusted amounts.
Premium Impact
-
Part B: $284–$689/month (plus standard premium)
-
Part D: $14–$91/month surcharge
Note: IRMAA uses a two-year lookback, so 2026 premiums are based on 2024 income.
How IRMAA Brackets Work
-
Five income tiers determine surcharges
-
Cliff system: Even $1 above a bracket triggers the full surcharge
-
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) includes:
-
AGI
-
Tax-exempt interest (e.g., municipal bonds)
-
Certain US savings bond and territory income
-
This can push retirees into higher brackets unexpectedly.
How to Reduce or Avoid Higher IRMAA Costs
-
Manage taxable income in years before Medicare enrollment
-
Use Roth IRA withdrawals, which do not count toward MAGI
-
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can lower required minimum distributions
-
Plan large financial moves carefully, like property sales or Roth conversions
-
Appeal IRMAA if income drops due to retirement, divorce, or spouse’s death (Form SSA-44)
-
