Most Medicare beneficiaries pay the standard Part B premium — $185.00 per month in 2026. But if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) crossed certain thresholds two years ago, you're paying significantly more, and Medicare didn't exactly warn you in plain English. It's called IRMAA: the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. And for agents, understanding it is one of the most valuable — and appreciated — skills you can bring to a client conversation.
What Is IRMAA?
IRMAA is a Medicare premium surcharge added to Part B (medical coverage) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums for higher-income beneficiaries. The Social Security Administration determines your IRMAA based on your tax return from two years prior — a concept called the "lookback period." So your 2026 Medicare premiums are based on your 2024 tax return.
This two-year lag is what creates the surprises. A client who sold a rental property, took a large IRA distribution, or sold stock at a gain in 2024 may suddenly find themselves paying hundreds of dollars more per month in 2026 Medicare premiums — and they have no idea why until they get the letter from Social Security.
2026 IRMAA Brackets: Part B
IRMAA is applied in tiers based on MAGI. Here are the 2026 Part B IRMAA brackets:
| Individual MAGI (2024) | Married Filing Jointly | Monthly Part B Premium |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ $106,000 | ≤ $212,000 | $185.00 (standard) |
| $106,001 – $133,000 | $212,001 – $266,000 | $259.00 |
| $133,001 – $167,000 | $266,001 – $334,000 | $370.00 |
| $167,001 – $200,000 | $334,001 – $400,000 | $480.90 |
| $200,001 – $500,000 | $400,001 – $750,000 | $591.90 |
| > $500,000 | > $750,000 | $628.90 |
IRMAA Also Applies to Part D
Part D prescription drug plans have their own IRMAA surcharge, added on top of your plan's regular premium. In 2026, Part D IRMAA ranges from $13.70/month to $85.80/month depending on income tier. This applies regardless of which Part D plan you have.
Life-Changing Event Appeals
Here's something most agents don't know — and that clients desperately need to hear: IRMAA can be appealed if a qualifying life-changing event caused your income to drop. These include:
- Marriage, divorce, or death of a spouse
- Retirement or reduction in work hours
- Loss of income-producing property (not through sale)
- Employer settlement payment in a prior year
To appeal, clients file Form SSA-44 with the Social Security Administration and provide documentation of the life-changing event. A successful appeal can eliminate or reduce the IRMAA surcharge going forward.
What This Means for You as an Agent
IRMAA knowledge positions you as a premium advisor, not just a plan-picker. When a client receives an IRMAA determination letter, they're confused and frustrated. If you're the agent who calls them to explain what happened, walks them through their options, and helps them file an appeal if eligible — that's a relationship that generates referrals for years.
As an agent contracting under Darin Weidauer through AGA, you have access to mentorship from a Registered Social Security Analyst who can help you navigate IRMAA conversations, appeal strategies, and the coordination between Medicare premiums and retirement income planning.
The Bottom Line
IRMAA is one of the most financially significant — and least understood — aspects of Medicare. Agents who master it don't just close more sales. They become indispensable advisors who clients trust with their most important retirement decisions. That's the kind of practice worth building.
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