Appealing Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA)

Over 4 million Medicare beneficiaries pay income-related adjustment amounts (IRMAA) for their monthly Part B and Part D premiums due to their higher income levels. Most beneficiaries don't pay Part A premiums because they (or their spouse) have worked for at least 10 years and have paid Medicare taxes. However, people who do buy Part A will pay a premium of either $285 or $518 each month in 2025 depending on how long they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.

The standard monthly Part B premium for 2025 will be $185, which is what most Medicare beneficiaries will pay. For higher earners, that amount will range from $259 - $628.90, depending on their income level.

​Part D surcharges next year will range from $13.70 to $85.80 (that’s in addition to any Prescription Drug Plan premium they may pay as well).

These surcharges are based on your clients' tax returns from two years prior - which may not accurately reflect their current financial situation. If your client has experienced any of the following they may be eligible to lower their IRMAA:

• Marrigage
• Divorce
• Death of a spouse
• Loss of income
• Employer settlement payment

If your clients' income has changed significantly, they can appeal those income-related adjustment amounts by visitng the Social Security Administration's Life Changing Event page and by providing proof that their income has changed, which can include:

• A more recent tax return
• A letter from their former employer stating they've retired
• Current pay stubs

Learn more by visiting www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs.

By Carolyn Portanova

Tweet