Introduction

If you have recently received notice that your Medicare Part B or Part D premiums are increasing due to income, you are not alone. The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) adjusts what higher earners pay each month for vital healthcare. However, some enrollees experience reductions in income—after retirement, divorce, a death, or other major events—which can make a higher IRMAA unfair. Fortunately, it is possible to appeal these changes and lower your costs. Here is what you need to know about IRMAA appeals and how to present your situation to Medicare.

What Is IRMAA and Who Has To Pay It

IRMAA is an extra charge added to monthly Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for people with higher modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). The Social Security Administration determines these surcharges based on tax data from two years prior, so even a temporary income spike can impact your healthcare payments.

IRMAA applies separately to Parts B and D.
The higher premium applies automatically if reported income surpasses certain federal thresholds (for example, $103,000 for singles and $206,000 for couples in 2024).
Being subject to IRMAA can add hundreds of dollars to your annual health expenses, even if your current finances no longer align with your prior year’s reportable income.

When Can You Appeal an IRMAA Decision

Most successful IRMAA appeals come from those who:

Experienced new life-changing events such as retirement, marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, loss of a pension, or loss of income-generating property.
Readers whose financial situation became markedly different since their last return was filed;
Know that their now-reduced income will be reflected in the current year’s (or next year’s) tax filing, if Social Security is provided timely, clear information.

The most common event leading to IRMAA lowerings is retirement (with resulting no or reduced wage income). You need to provide documentation (severance letters, pension statements, Social Security records, etc.), as well as fill out Social Security Form SSA-44 to officially lodge your case.

How To File an IRMAA Appeal

Obtain SSA-44: Download this form from the Social Security website or request a copy in person or by phone.
List your change event and provide documentation: Examples — if you lost a job, a termination notice, a pension cut letter, or proof of disability.
Calcuate and report new anticipated MAGI: Attach information supporting your expected new (waited for) income.
Submit the appeal form: Send your complete application through your online mySocialSecurity account, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. Follow up promptly and keep records of all correspondence and submission dates.
Await SSA review and ruling: Processing commonly takes four to eight weeks. If additional information or clarification is required, Social Security will contact you directly for further proof.

Appeal Success Tips and Next Steps

Respond quickly to information requests or any letters sent to your address—proven failure to act has resulted in missed lower rates for some claimants.
If denied or misunderstood, file a reconsideration request for secondary review—each step gives added time and the right to explain your case version with follow-up documentation.
Ask a Medicare insurance expert for strategic support: Assistance from experienced agents simplifies submissions, guides what to say, queues up critical documents, and minimizes costly errors or missed claims resulting in higher IRMAA than you deserve.

Lower Premiums Start With Informed Support

Getting IRMAA adjustments reversed or set correctly after life events can help reduce financial strain and let you keep the health coverage that works for you. If you are facing appeals or want proactive review of projected IRMAA bills based on unique circumstances, contact Vista Mutual Insurance Services. Our informed team will flag issues, gather required evidence, and work on your appeal for fairness—keeping your Medicare costs as low as the law (and your real-life income) allow.

Understanding IRMAA Appeals for Medicare Part B and D