Medicare IRMAA in 2026: Income Limits, Premium Surcharges & How to Lower Them
Medicare premiums are not the same for every beneficiary. People with higher income may pay an additional amount called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) . IRMAA is not a tax and it is not a late-enrollment penalty. It is an income-based surcharge added to Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D premiums. Your 2026 IRMAA is generally based on information from your 2024 federal income tax return. This matters for retirees because wages, IRA withdrawals, 401(k) distributions, Roth conversions, taxable investment gains, business income, and tax-exempt interest can all affect the income used for IRMAA. For related Medicare planning, see Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Costs and the Annual Out-of-Pocket Cap and Turning 65? Medicare Enrollment Deadlines and Late Penalties . Key Rule for 2026 For most people, 2026 IRMAA is based on 2024 modified adjusted gross income. The first IRMAA tier begins above $109,000 fo...