As you plan for retirement, understanding the IRMAA brackets 2026 is crucial for managing healthcare costs, especially if you’re over 65. The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is a surcharge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for individuals with higher incomes. With the IRMAA brackets 2026 determining how much you’ll pay, knowing the projected thresholds and strategies to minimize these costs can save you thousands annually.
This article provides a detailed, to what will the IRMAA brackets be in 2026, including projections, planning tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re searching for an IRMAA brackets 2026 calculator or wondering what will IRMAA brackets be in 2026 over 65, this guide has you covered.
What is IRMAA?
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, a surcharge applied by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums for high-income earners. The SSA calculates IRMAA based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years priormeaning your 2024 MAGI determines your IRMAA brackets 2026.
Your MAGI includes your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from IRS Form 1040 (lines 2a and 11) plus tax-exempt interest income. For example, income from wages, pensions, dividends, capital gains, and taxable Social Security benefits all contribute to your MAGI. Understanding what will the IRMAA brackets be in 2026 is essential for budgeting, as even a small income increase can push you into a higher bracket, significantly raising your Medicare premiums.
Why Are the IRMAA Brackets 2026 Important?
The IRMAA brackets 2026 are critical because they directly impact your Medicare costs. For retirees over 65, Medicare is a cornerstone of healthcare planning, and IRMAA surcharges can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your annual expenses. The IRMAA brackets 2026 are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which reflects inflation. With inflation stabilizing, experts predict a modest increase of about 1.02% in the IRMAA brackets 2026 thresholds compared to 2025.
For those asking what will IRMAA brackets be in 2026 over 65, the answer lies in how your 2024 income aligns with these projected thresholds. Crossing a bracket threshold by even $1 can result in a substantial premium increase, making proactive income planning vital.
Projected IRMAA Brackets 2026
While the official IRMAA brackets 2026 won’t be released until the fourth quarter of 2025, projections based on current CPI-U trends and Medicare Trustees’ reports provide a reliable estimate. The CPI-U at the end of August 2024 was 310.955, with a projected value of 314.138 by August 2025, suggesting a 1.02% increase in income thresholds. Below are the estimated IRMAA brackets 2026 for Medicare Part B and Part D, based on filing status:
For Single Filers
- Tier 1: MAGI $108,000 or less – No IRMAA
- Tier 2: MAGI $108,001–$138,000 – Part B: $74.00, Part D: $13.70
- Tier 3: MAGI $138,001–$171,000 – Part B: $185.00, Part D: $35.30
- Tier 4: MAGI $171,001–$206,000 – Part B: $295.90, Part D: $57.00
- Tier 5: MAGI $206,001–$500,000 – Part B: $406.80, Part D: $78.60
- Tier 6: MAGI above $500,000 – Part B: $443.90, Part D: $85.80
For Married Filing Jointly
- Tier 1: MAGI $216,000 or less – No IRMAA
- Tier 2: MAGI $216,001–$276,000 – Part B: $74.00, Part D: $13.70
- Tier 3: MAGI $276,001–$342,000 – Part B: $185.00, Part D: $35.30
- Tier 4: MAGI $342,001–$412,000 – Part B: $295.90, Part D: $57.00
- Tier 5: MAGI $412,001–$750,000 – Part B: $406.80, Part D: $78.60
- Tier 6: MAGI above $750,000 – Part B: $443.90, Part D: $85.80
For Married Filing Separately
- Tier 1: MAGI $108,000 or less – No IRMAA
- Tier 2: MAGI $108,001–$392,000 – Part B: $406.80, Part D: $78.60
- Tier 3: MAGI above $392,000 – Part B: $443.90, Part D: $85.80
Note: These are projections based on current data. The standard Part B premium for 2026 is not yet announced but is expected to be around $185.00–$190.00, with IRMAA surcharges added on top. Part D surcharges are expected to rise by about 6% compared to 2025, per Medicare Trustees’ projections.
How to Use an IRMAA Brackets 2026 Calculator
An IRMAA brackets 2026 calculator is a valuable tool for estimating your Medicare surcharges. These calculators, available on sites like The Medicare Family or IRMAA Certified Planner, allow you to input your 2024 MAGI and filing status to determine your potential IRMAA costs. Here’s how to use one effectively:
- Gather Your 2024 Tax Data: Review your 2024 tax return (or estimate it if not yet filed) to calculate your MAGI. Include AGI plus tax-exempt interest.
- Select Filing Status: Choose whether you file as single, married filing jointly, or married filing separately.
- Input Income: Enter your MAGI into the calculator to see which IRMAA brackets 2026 tier you fall into.
- Review Surcharges: The calculator will display your estimated Part B and Part D surcharges, added to the standard premiums.
Using an IRMAA brackets 2026 calculator helps you plan income withdrawals or Roth conversions to avoid higher brackets. For example, if your MAGI is near a threshold, reducing taxable income by $1,000 could save you over $1,000 in annual premiums.
Strategies to Minimize IRMAA Surcharges in 2026
For those wondering what will IRMAA brackets be in 2026 over 65, the key is proactive financial planning. Here are strategies to manage your MAGI and stay below higher IRMAA brackets 2026:
- Time Roth Conversions Carefully: Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA increases your MAGI in the year of conversion. Spread conversions over multiple years to avoid spiking your income into a higher bracket.
- Use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re 70½ or older, QCDs from your IRA can satisfy Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) without counting toward your MAGI.
- Defer Income: Delay capital gains or large withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts until after 2024 to lower your 2024 MAGI, which affects IRMAA brackets 2026.
- Appeal IRMAA Charges: If you experience a life-changing event (e.g., death of a spouse, retirement, or divorce), file Form SSA-44 to request a reduction in IRMAA based on lower current income.
- Work with a Financial Advisor: A retirement planner specializing in Medicare can help you navigate what will the IRMAA brackets be in 2026 and optimize your income strategy.
Impact of Inflation on IRMAA Brackets 2026
The IRMAA brackets 2026 are tied to the CPI-U, which measures inflation. With inflation stabilizing (CPI-U dropped from November to December 2024), the projected 1.02% increase in thresholds is modest compared to previous years. However, Part D surcharges are expected to rise by over 6%, reflecting higher prescription drug costs. This underscores the importance of monitoring what will IRMAA brackets be in 2026 to avoid surprises.
Planning for Retirees Over 65
For those asking what will IRMAA brackets be in 2026 over 65, the answer depends on your 2024 income and filing status. Retirees over 65 are particularly vulnerable to IRMAA surcharges due to income from pensions, Social Security, and RMDs. The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is projected at 2.20%, which could push some retirees into higher IRMAA brackets 2026 if not managed carefully.
To mitigate this, consider:
- Monitoring Income Sources: Track pensions, dividends, and RMDs to stay below key thresholds.
- Using Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Withdraw from Roth IRAs, which don’t count toward MAGI, instead of traditional IRAs.
- Consulting a Professional: A financial advisor can run scenarios using an IRMAA brackets 2026 calculator to optimize your income.
FAQs About IRMAA Brackets 2026
What will the IRMAA brackets be in 2026?
The IRMAA brackets 2026 are projected to increase by about 1.02% based on CPI-U trends. For single filers, thresholds start at $108,000, and for married filing jointly, they begin at $216,000. Exact brackets will be confirmed in late 2025.
How can I calculate my IRMAA for 2026?
Use an IRMAA brackets 2026 calculator by entering your 2024 MAGI and filing status. Websites like The Medicare Family offer user-friendly tools to estimate your Part B and Part D surcharges.
What will IRMAA brackets be in 2026 over 65?
For retirees over 65, the IRMAA brackets 2026 will depend on your 2024 MAGI. If your income exceeds $108,000 (single) or $216,000 (joint), you’ll pay surcharges ranging from $74.00 to $443.90 for Part B and $13.70 to $85.80 for Part D.
How can I avoid IRMAA surcharges in 2026?
To avoid higher IRMAA brackets 2026, manage your 2024 MAGI by timing Roth conversions, using QCDs, or deferring taxable income. Appealing with Form SSA-44 for life-changing events can also reduce surcharges.
When will the official IRMAA brackets 2026 be released?
The SSA typically releases the IRMAA brackets 2026 in the fourth quarter of 2025, around October or November, before Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15.
Conclusion
Understanding what will the IRMAA brackets be in 2026 is essential for retirees aiming to control healthcare costs. With projected thresholds increasing by 1.02% and Part D surcharges rising by over 6%, proactive planning is critical. Use an IRMAA brackets 2026 calculator to estimate your costs, and consider strategies like Roth conversions, QCDs, or appeals to minimize surcharges. By staying informed about what will IRMAA brackets be in 2026 over 65, you can protect your retirement budget and ensure financial stability.
For personalized advice, consult a financial advisor or visit trusted resources like the Medicare website or IRMAA Certified Planner. Stay ahead of the IRMAA brackets 2026 to make informed decisions for your future.