IRMAA Planning Calculator
Organize income, tax year, filing status, and life-change information before discussing IRMAA.
What can be calculated
Income-related monthly adjustment amounts can add to Part B and Part D premiums. Social Security generally uses federal tax-return income from two years earlier. An estimate needs tax filing status, the applicable modified adjusted gross income and the current year’s official bracket table.
Official source: SSA: Request lower IRMAA ↗ · Medicare: Current costs ↗
Life-changing events
A qualifying event such as work stoppage or reduction, marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or loss of income-producing property may justify a request to use more recent income. SSA explains the process and the SSA-44 form. A forecast is not an SSA determination.
Official source: SSA: Request lower IRMAA ↗
Interpret the on-page estimate
The bracket estimator on this page uses the income and filing status you enter and the stated benefit year. Check your actual IRMAA notice for the tax year and amount SSA used; if it no longer represents income after a qualifying life-changing event, use SSA’s request process.
Official source: SSA: Request lower IRMAA ↗
Part D and Part B are separate
An income-based addition to Part D can be due even if the selected drug plan advertises a low premium; Part B’s basic premium is a separate charge. Add both before comparing annual coverage costs.
Official source: SSA: Request lower IRMAA ↗ · Medicare: Current costs ↗