How this medicare irmaa calculator 2026 works
2026 brackets (per person): tier thresholds $109k/$137k/$165k/$199k/$418k single ($218k/$274k/$330k/$398k/$836k joint). Part B surcharge grows to +$594.50 and Part D to +$101.40 at the top. The 'headroom' number is the planning number: Roth conversions, bonus timing or the year you claim Social Security all land within reach of the nearest cliff — and the 2-year lookback means 2026 is locked, but 2028 is decided this December.
Frequently asked questions
What triggers IRMAA in 2026?
MAGI (2024 return for 2026 premiums) above $109,000 single / $218,000 joint. Five escalating tiers follow; each crosses a cliff — earning $1 over a threshold costs up to ~$700–$1,700/year in premiums for married couples.
How do I appeal or avoid it?
Two routes: a life-changing-event appeal (retirement, spouse death, divorce, reduced work — Form SSA-44) resets MAGI to current income; or plan the income: Roth conversions before/after Medicare, QCDs from IRA after 70½, and deferring capital gains across a threshold cliff.
Why is my Part B premium not $202.90?
The 2026 standard is $202.90 — that's the base before IRMAA. Tiers add $81.20 / $226.90 / $372.60 / $518.30 / $594.50, taking the top premium to $689.90 (per CMS). Part D adds $13.80–$101.40 on top of whatever plan you buy.