What Is IRMAA? Medicare Surcharge Brackets 2026

By Brent Meyer — SafeMoney.com Founder & Editor Reviewed by Licensed Financial Professionals  |  SafeMoney.com — Trusted Since 2011  |  Updated Regularly Quick Answer: Learn what IRMAA is and how it increases your Medicare premiums. See 2026 income brackets, how to appeal, and strategies to reduce or avoid the surcharge. Related Articles Medicare Increase 2023 Update | Medicare Guide Medicare Questions To Ask | Medicare Guide Medicare Specialists Navigating The Complexities Of Medicare Impacts of IRMAA on Medicare Premiums and Strategies Key Takeaways IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount affecting Medicare premiums. 2026 income brackets determine how much IRMAA will increase your costs. Consider using retirement calculators to estimate your future income. You can appeal IRMAA decisions if your income has significantly decreased. Consult a SafeMoney certified advisor for personalized strategies to manage IRMAA. Quick Answer IRMAA, or Income-Related Monthly Adjusted Amount, is an additional charge on Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for individuals with higher incomes. It is determined by your income from two years prior and can significantly impact your healthcare costs in retirement. SafeMoney Editorial Team  |  Reviewed by Licensed Financial Professionals  |  Updated Regularly Understanding IRMAA and Its Impact on Medicare When planning for healthcare in retirement, understanding the Income-Related Monthly Adjusted Amount (IRMAA) is crucial. IRMAA is an additional premium applied to Medicare Part B and Part D for those with higher incomes. This surcharge is determined by your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior, impacting both Standard Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. How IRMAA Affects Your Medicare Costs IRMAA can significantly increase your Medicare expenses, adding to the standard premiums for Parts B and D. The surcharge is based on income thresholds that are adjusted annually for inflation. If your income exceeds these thresholds, you will face additional charges, potentially increasing your healthcare costs by thousands annually. Calculating IRMAA: Key Factors IRMAA is calculated using your MAGI, which includes all taxable income such as wages, retirement distributions, and investment income. If your MAGI surpasses the set limits, IRMAA will be added to your Medicare premiums. Understanding this calculation is key to managing your retirement finances eff