If you have Medicare Part B and/or Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), you could owe a monthly surcharge based on your annual income.1
Let’s explore the details of the income related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) for Medicare.
IRMAA is a surcharge that people with income above a certain amount must pay in addition to their Medicare Part B and Part D premiums.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines who pays an IRMAA based on the income reported 2 years prior. So for 2023, the SSA looks at your 2021 tax returns to see if you must pay an IRMAA.2
IRMAA is calculated every year. That means if your income is higher or lower year after year, your IRMAA status can change. If the SSA determines you must pay an IRMAA, you’ll receive a notice with the new premium amount and the reason for their determination.3
For 2023, the income brackets for Part B and Part D are the same. Here’s a chart explaining how income affects the Part B premium and Part D IRMAA.4
Part B IRMAA is automatically added to your monthly premium bill. Here are 4 ways you can pay your Part B premium:
Part D IRMAA must be paid directly to Medicare—not your plan or employer. It’s your responsibility to pay it even if your employer or a third party (e.g., retirement system) pays your Part D plan premiums. You’ll get a bill each month from Medicare for your Part D IRMAA and can pay it the same way you pay your Part B premiums.5
If you disagree with an IRMAA notice you’ve received, you can appeal it for several reasons. One reason is the tax information used by the SSA to decide the IRMAA may have been incorrect or outdated. Another reason is you experienced a life changing event such as a loss of income, death of a spouse, marriage or divorce.6
You have 60 days from receiving a notice to file an appeal. To get started, contact the SSA at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).7
For more helpful information on Medicare, check out these frequently asked questions about Medicare plans.
