Medicare IRMAA Surcharges 2025: What You Need to Know

Medicare premiums can be puzzling—especially when they go up because of something called IRMAA (Income‑Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). In 2025, many retirees are seeing bigger bills for Parts B and D—and it all comes down to what your income was two years ago. Let’s break it down simply so you know exactly what to expect and how to respond.

3 Key Points to Know Before We Start

1. IRMAA adds a surcharge to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for high-income earners.

2. The surcharge is based on your income from two years prior—it can sneak up if you're not watching.

3. If your income drops due to life events, you may be able to appeal via Form SSA-44.

What Is IRMAA and Why It Happens

• IRMAA stands for Income‑Related Monthly Adjustment Amount—a fancy way of saying “extra charge” on your Medicare premiums if you made too much money.

• For 2025, your 2023 income determines whether you'll pay extra. Even making $1 over the limit can trigger a surcharge.

How Much More Will You Pay in 2025?

Here's a quick look at how IRMAA impacts higher-income beneficiaries:

 A quick rule: If you're in the top tier, you could end up paying $628.90/month for Part B—that’s a lot more than the base $185!

Why Even $1 Matters

This isn't mad math—it's a real trap. That extra dollar in income can cost you a lot more in Medicare premiums over the year—often hundreds or thousands more.

What You Can Do About It

1. Check Your Notice

If IRMAA applies, the SSA will send you a notice explaining why and how much. Keep it in a safe place.

2. Appeal If You Can

Had a big income drop—like retirement, job loss, or death in the family? You may file Form SSA‑44 to use a more recent tax year for your IRMAA.

3. Plan Ahead

Use strategies like Roth conversions during low-income years or charitable IRA contributions to keep your adjusted gross income below those IRMAA cliffs.

Conclusion

IRMAA surcharges may not be talked about enough, but for many retirees, they mean significant added costs to Medicare. The good news? If your income dropped or you plan carefully, you may limit or avoid those surcharges altogether.

At Senior Help And You, we're always here to help you understand rising costs, review your notice, and plan smart moves that protect your hard-earned retirement benefits.

3 Takeaways

1. IRMAA can add hundreds a month to Medicare premiums based on your prior income.

2. You have the right to appeal if your income changes. Use Form SSA-44.

3. Strategic planning can help you avoid costly premium surcharges.

Sources:

• Kiplinger – “Medicare Premiums 2025: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D”

• Social Security Administration – “Medicare Premiums”

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – “2025 Medicare Parts B Premiums and Deductibles”

Author: Albert Ferrin, Senior Help And You