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Medicare IRMAA Calculator (2026)
Earn above certain thresholds two years ago, and Medicare adds an IRMAA surcharge to your Part B (and Part D) premiums today. Enter your filing status and income to see your estimated 2026 numbers.
Your income & filing status
IRMAA is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your tax return two years back — for 2026 premiums, that's your 2024 return.
This calculator provides rough educational estimates only — it is not a quote, a recommendation, or financial advice. Actual premiums, penalties, and costs depend on your situation, carrier, and plan year. For a real comparison, call us at 208-350-9933.
How This Estimate Works
IRMAA brackets come from federal law, and CMS updates the dollar thresholds each year. All thresholds shown here are approximate, per CMS for 2026: single filers start owing a surcharge above roughly $109,000, with higher tiers at about $137,000, $171,000, $205,000, and $500,000. Married-filing-jointly thresholds are double those — except the top tier, which starts around $750,000. Instead of paying the usual 25% of Part B's program cost, surcharge payers cover 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or 85% — which works out to multiplying the $202.90 standard premium by 1.4, 2.0, 2.6, 3.2, or 3.4.
The part that surprises people: Social Security looks at your tax return from two years ago. Retire in 2026 and your premium is still judged on your 2024 working income. The fix is form SSA-44 — if a life-changing event (retirement, reduced hours, marriage, divorce, death of a spouse) dropped your income, you can ask Social Security to use the newer number. We remind clients about this constantly, because it's free money left on the table otherwise.
IRMAA rides on top of whatever Medicare path you choose, so it pays to get the rest of the premium picture right too. See how Medicare Supplement plans fit alongside Part B, read our guide to Medicare enrollment periods, or try our Medicare penalty calculator and Part A premium check next. Or call 208-350-9933 and we'll walk your whole premium stack in one conversation.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 300 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Questions we hear a lot
Medicare IRMAA FAQ
What is IRMAA and who pays it?
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It's a surcharge Medicare adds to your Part B and Part D premiums when your modified adjusted gross income from two years ago is above certain thresholds — roughly $109,000 for single filers and $218,000 for joint filers in 2026 (approximate, per CMS). Most people never pay it; higher earners pay a bigger share of the program's cost.
Why does IRMAA use my income from two years ago?
Social Security uses the most recent tax return the IRS has on file, which is usually two years old. So your 2026 premiums are based on your 2024 return. If your income has dropped since then because of a life-changing event like retirement, you can ask Social Security to use your newer, lower income instead.
Can I appeal an IRMAA determination?
Yes. If you've had a life-changing event — retirement or reduced work hours, marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or losing a pension, among others — file form SSA-44 with Social Security and ask them to recalculate using your current income. Many new retirees qualify, and a successful appeal can save thousands per year.
Does IRMAA apply to Part D drug plans too?
Yes. The same income brackets add roughly $14 to $91 per month to your Part D premium in 2026 (approximate, per CMS). You pay the Part D IRMAA to Medicare directly, not to your drug plan — so it shows up even if your plan's premium is $0.
Is IRMAA permanent?
No — it's recalculated every year from your latest tax return. One high-income year (from selling a home or a large Roth conversion, say) can trigger IRMAA two years later, and it falls away again once your income drops back below the thresholds. That's worth remembering when you plan big one-time income events.
Think an IRMAA Surcharge Is Headed Your Way?
Retiring soon, or had a one-time income spike? We'll help you see the whole 2026 premium picture — and whether an SSA-44 appeal fits your situation. Free, no pressure, no obligation.
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