2026 Medicare IRMAA Amounts 2026: What Beneficiaries Should Expect
If beneficiary income is above certain thresholds, they’ll pay more for Medicare Part B and Part D through an IRMAA; the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. Because IRMAA is based on your tax return from two years earlier, 2024 income will determine what you owe in 2026. It is important to understand Medicare IRMAA amounts 2026 to budget for the year.
What Is IRMAA
IRMAA adds a surcharge to your Part B and Part D premiums if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds the set limits. For Part B, it’s usually withheld from Social Security; for Part D, it’s billed directly. If your income has recently dropped due to retirement, marriage, divorce, or another life-changing event, you can request a reconsideration using SSA Form 44.
Projected 2026 Costs
The standard Part B premium is projected to rise to $206.50/month in 2026, up from $185 in 2025. Even those who don’t pay IRMAA will see higher costs.
For higher-income beneficiaries, surcharges are added in brackets. Here are projected 2026 totals for Part B:
- Income of up to $109,000 (single) / $218,000 (married): pay $206.50 (the standard monthly rate)
- Income levels from $109k–$137k (single)/ $218k–$274k (married): pay $289 for Part B
- Those with income levels $137k–$171k (single)/ $274k–$342k (married): pay $413 for Part B
- Income levels of $171k–$205k (single) / $342k–$410k (married): pay $537
- Beneficiaries who make $205k–$500k (single) / $410k–$750k (married): will pay $661
- Those with income levels over $500k (single) / $750k (married): must pay $702
Part D IRMAA surcharges will also rise, from about $14.50/month in the first bracket up to $91/month for the highest incomes. CMS adds these amounts to the beneficiaries plan premium.
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What This Means for Beneficiaries
- Premiums are climbing, as they do most years. Even without IRMAA, 2026 Medicare costs are higher.
- IRMAA is a “cliff.” Going just $1 over a threshold bumps you into a higher bracket.
- Tax planning matters. Roth conversions, investment sales, and IRA withdrawals can all affect your MAGI.
- Life changes can help reduce an IRMAA. If income drops, beneficiaries may appeal to reduce or eliminate an IRMAA.
Planning Ahead
- Review 2024 tax returns to gauge your 2026 bracket.
- Be aware of income timing; shifting taxable money can prevent reaching income thresholds.
- Keep documentation ready if you need proof for a reconsideration.
- Stay updated on Medicare’s official income release in late 2025 for confirmation of final numbers.
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The projected 2026 IRMAA increases could mean significantly higher Medicare costs for high-income beneficiaries. By planning around your 2024 income now, beneficiaries may avoid unnecessary surcharges and keep more of their retirement income.