The Problem

You worked hard your whole life, and now that you’re on Medicare, you expect your premiums to be predictable and affordable. Then suddenly, you receive a notice that your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are increasing because of IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount).

It feels unfair. Maybe your income isn’t actually what Social Security thinks it is. Or maybe your circumstances have changed. The good news is — you don’t have to accept this increase without asking questions.

What Is IRMAA?

IRMAA is an additional premium that Medicare beneficiaries with higher incomes must pay for Part B and Part D. Social Security determines whether you owe IRMAA by looking at your IRS tax return from two years ago (your MAGI — Modified Adjusted Gross Income).

For example:

• In 2025, your IRMAA is based on your 2023 tax return.

• This includes wages, Social Security benefits, pensions, rental income, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and anything reported on line 2a (tax-exempt interest) and line 11 (AGI) of your IRS 1040.

That means even if your income has gone down since then, Social Security might still charge you higher premiums today.

👉 Not sure what IRMAA is or how it’s calculated? Start with our Understanding IRMAA article to see what triggers these extra premiums.

When You Can Appeal IRMAA

You can appeal an IRMAA decision if you’ve had a life-changing event that significantly reduced your income, such as:

• Retirement or reduced work hours

• Marriage or divorce

• Death of a spouse

• Loss of pension income

• Loss of income-producing property

• Employer settlement payout ending

If your IRMAA was based on incorrect tax information (IRS errors, amended returns, or outdated income), you can also file an appeal.

How to Appeal IRMAA

Here are the steps:

1. Review your notice – Social Security will send you a letter explaining your IRMAA determination. Keep it handy.

2. Gather your documentation – Collect proof of your life-changing event (retirement letter, death certificate, divorce decree, etc.) or corrected tax information.

3. File Form SSA-44 – This is the official form to request a reduction in your IRMAA. You’ll explain your situation and attach documentation.

4. Submit to Social Security – Take your form and documents to your local Social Security office or mail them in.

5. Follow up – Decisions can take several weeks. If denied, you can request reconsideration and continue through the appeals process.

Why This Matters

If you do nothing, you’ll be stuck paying higher premiums — money that could otherwise stay in your pocket. Appealing IRMAA is not only your right, but often a necessary step if your income today doesn’t reflect what Social Security has on file.

Where We Come In

At Mere Benefits, we help people simplify Medicare and Social Security. If you’ve received an IRMAA notice and aren’t sure what to do, we can walk you through the process and help you prepare for the appeal.

You don’t have to face it alone.

👉Appealing IRMAA is just one step in keeping Medicare affordable. For a full picture of how IRMAA affects your premiums and what you can do about it, check out our IRMAA & Medicare page.

👉 Contact our office today to schedule a review of your situation. We’ll help you understand your options and guide you step by step.