IRMAA Part B

What Is IRMAA Part B

IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, which is the additional costs added to your monthly Medicare Part B premium. Understanding IRMAA for Medicare Part B is important because it directly affects how much you pay each month for your health care coverage.

IRMAA is not a separate plan or optional coverage. It is a required adjustment set by Medicare that is based on your income level and added directly to your monthly premium. Even though IRMAA does not change what Medicare covers, it does change how much you pay for that coverage.

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is half of the Original or Traditional Medicare plan and covers essential medical services such as:

• Doctor visits
• Outpatient care
• Preventive services
• Durable medical equipment

How IRMAA Part B Works

IRMAA is calculated using your income from your federal tax return. The higher your income, the more you will pay for your Medicare Part B premiums. The extra amount you pay in monthly premiums depends on your income level. If you receive Social Security, this amount is usually deducted automatically from your monthly benefit.

IRMAA is one part of your overall Medicare expenses. While it does not change your benefits, it does play an important role in your total monthly cost. Your IRMAA Medicare premiums are broken down into four parts:

• Your base Medicare Part B premium
• Any additional coverage you choose
• Other out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays
• IRMAA premium adjustments

Who Pays IRMAA Part B?

Not everyone pays IRMAA. You may be subject to IRMAA if your income exceeds Medicare’s threshold levels or you file taxes individually or jointly above those limits. This applies regardless of:

• Whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage
• Your health status
• The providers you see

Can Your IRMAA Amount Change?

IRMAA is reviewed each year and can change based on your income. In some cases, you may be able to request a review if your income has changed due to a qualifying life event. If your income increases then your premium may go up. If your income decreases then your premium may go down.

How IRMAA Part B is Calculated

IRMAA for Part B is calculated in three steps:

• Medicare reviews your income from two years ago
• Your income is compared to established IRMAA brackets
• Based on your bracket, your Part B premium is increased

Current IRMAA Part B Brackets – 2026

For those who file independently, the income brackets are split into:

• Less than $109,000 (Part B premium is $202.90)
• More than $109,001 up to $137,000 (Part B premium is $284.10)
• More than $137,001 up to $171,000 (Part B premium is $405.80)
• More than $171,001 up to $205,000 (Part B premium is $527.50)
• More than $205,001 but less than $499,999 (Part B premium is $649.20)
• Beyond $500,000 (Part B premium is $689.90)

For those who file jointly, the income brackets are:

• Less than $218,000 ($202.90)
• More than $218,001 up to $274,000 ($284.10)
• More than $274,001 up to $342,000 ($405.80)
• More than $342,001 up to $410,000 ($527.50)
• More than $410,001 and less than $749,999 ($649.20)
• Beyond $750,000 ($689.90)
• Download the IRMAA Part B Guide

How IRMAA Appears in Your Monthly Premium

One of the most common points of confusion is how IRMAA shows up. For Medicare Part B:

• IRMAA is included in your total monthly premium
• It is not usually billed separately
• The amount you pay reflects both the base premium and the income-based adjustment

Get IRMAA Part B Premium Help

IRMAA for Medicare Part B is an income-based adjustment that increases your monthly premium if your income exceeds certain levels. By understanding what IRMAA is, how it works, and how it affects your premium, you can better prepare for your Medicare costs and avoid confusion as you move through your coverage. Fill out the form below to get help from a licensed Medicare professional at no cost to you.