Free RobinsWisdom Planning Guide
Could Your Income Raise Your Medicare Premiums?
Download the free IRMAA Planning Guide to understand how Medicare income surcharges work, what may trigger them, and what to do when your income changes.
- The two-year lookback
- IRMAA income brackets
- Planning strategies
- SSA-44 guidance
RobinsWisdom Planning Guide
The IRMAA
Planning Guide
A complete guide to Medicare’s income-related surcharges.
- Understand what IRMAA is
- See how income affects Medicare premiums
- Explore practical planning strategies
- Learn when Social Security may reconsider
Created by Robin Dall
Medicare Income Surcharges
Understand IRMAA Before It Becomes an Expensive Surprise
You can be retired, living on less income, and still receive a notice saying your Medicare premiums are increasing. That is because Social Security generally looks at income from two years earlier. This guide helps you understand what is happening—and what your next step may be.
Understand the Two-Year Lookback
Learn why Social Security may use an older tax return when determining whether an income-related surcharge applies.
Review the Income Brackets
See how Modified Adjusted Gross Income may affect Medicare Part B and Part D costs.
Recognize Common Triggers
Understand how retirement, Roth conversions, property sales, large withdrawals, and other income events may affect IRMAA.
Explore Planning Strategies
Identify important topics to discuss with your tax or financial professional before making major income decisions.
Learn About Life-Changing Events
Review the qualifying events Social Security recognizes when income has dropped.
Know What to Do Next
Learn how Form SSA-44 may be used to ask Social Security to consider a newer income amount.
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Is This Guide for You?
A Smart Resource Before—or After—IRMAA Shows Up
This guide may be especially helpful when you are approaching Medicare, preparing to retire, expecting a major income change, or have already received an IRMAA notice.
- You are approaching Medicare eligibility.
- You recently retired or reduced your work hours.
- You are considering a Roth conversion or large withdrawal.
- You expect to sell property, investments, or a business.
- You received an IRMAA notice from Social Security.
- Your current income is lower than the income on the tax return Social Security used.
Created by Robin Dall
Medicare Education Without the Salesy Nonsense
I am Robin Dall, a licensed independent Medicare broker and educator. Since 2013, I have helped people understand their Medicare choices, timelines, costs, and next steps without turning the process into a pressure-filled sales call.
No call centers. No 1-800 numbers. Just Robin.
Questions About the Guide
Before You Download
What does IRMAA mean?
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It is an additional amount some higher-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for Part B and Part D.
Is this guide only for people already on Medicare?
No. It can also be useful before Medicare begins, especially when planning retirement, Roth conversions, withdrawals, property sales, or other income events.
Will this guide tell me how to avoid paying IRMAA?
The guide explains common planning considerations, but it does not promise that IRMAA can be avoided. Tax and financial decisions should be reviewed with qualified professionals who understand your full situation.
Can Social Security lower IRMAA after my income drops?
Social Security may use a newer income estimate when a qualifying life-changing event causes income to drop. The guide explains the recognized events and the role of Form SSA-44.
Is the guide free?
Yes. Enter your name and email, confirm your subscription, and you will receive access to the guide.