Medicare is a government-run healthcare program that provides coverage to millions of Americans who are 65 or older, as well as to people with certain disabilities or medical conditions. Medicare is funded by the federal government and is designed to help people pay for their healthcare expenses.
However, some Medicare beneficiaries may have to pay more for their coverage than others, depending on their income. This is where Medicare IRMAA comes in. In this blog post, we will explain what Medicare IRMAA is, who is affected by it, and what steps you can take to manage your Medicare costs.
What is Medicare IRMAA?
Medicare IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It is an additional fee that some Medicare beneficiaries may have to pay for their Part B and Part D coverage if their income is above a certain threshold.
The IRMAA is based on the beneficiary's modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), which is calculated by adding up their adjusted gross income, tax-exempt interest, and certain deductions or exclusions from income. If a beneficiary's MAGI exceeds the threshold for their income level, they may have to pay an additional amount on top of their standard Medicare premium.
Who is affected by Medicare IRMAA?
Medicare IRMAA affects beneficiaries who have a higher income than the standard threshold for their income level. In 2023, the income thresholds for IRMAA are as follows:
Individuals with a MAGI of $97,000 or less, or couples with a MAGI of $194,000 or less, will pay the standard Medicare premium amount.
Individuals with a MAGI between $97,000 and $123,000, or couples with a MAGI between $1194,000 and $246,000, will pay a higher premium than the standard amount.
Individuals with a MAGI between $123,000 and $153,000, or couples with a MAGI between $246,000 and $306,000, will pay an even higher premium than the previous income bracket.
Individuals with a MAGI between $153,000 and $183,000, or couples with a MAGI between $306,000 and $366,000, will pay the highest premium amount.
Individuals with a MAGI above $83,000, or couples with a MAGI above $366,000, will pay the highest premium amount.
What steps can you take to manage your Medicare costs?
If you are affected by Medicare IRMAA, there are several steps you can take to manage your Medicare costs:
Plan ahead: If you know you will be affected by Medicare IRMAA, plan ahead and budget for the higher premium amount.
Review your income: Review your income each year to see if you may be subject to IRMAA. If you expect your income to be higher than usual, you may want to take steps to reduce your MAGI, such as contributing to a retirement account or deferring income.
Request a review: If your income has decreased due to certain life events, such as retirement or the death of a spouse, you may be able to request a review of your IRMAA. Contact Social Security to request a review.
Consider alternative coverage: If the cost of Medicare becomes too high, you may want to consider alternative coverage options, such as Medicare Advantage plans or Medigap plans, which may offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
In conclusion, Medicare IRMAA is an additional fee that some Medicare beneficiaries may have to pay for their Part B and Part D coverage if their income is above a certain threshold. It is important to understand how IRMAA works and to take steps to manage your Medicare costs if you are affected by it. By planning ahead,
