You planned well. You saved more. But now Medicare is charging you extra. Let’s talk about IRMAA—the income-based surcharge that can catch smart retirees off guard.

The Problem

Most people think Medicare has fixed costs. But if your income is over a certain limit, you may be shocked to learn that:

You’ll pay more for Medicare Parts B and D than the standard premium.
And worse—you may have no idea it’s coming.

This surcharge is called IRMAA: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.
If you don’t understand it—or plan for it—you could lose hundreds or even thousands each year in surprise charges.

The Guide

At Mere, we specialize in Medicare and financial strategy. Whether you're retiring early, cashing out investments, or just getting hit with IRMAA for the first time—we’re here to help you understand, plan around, and potentially reduce it.

The Plan: How IRMAA Works (And What to Do)

✅ Step 1: Understand the Income Thresholds

IRMAA is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from 2 years prior.
So for 2025, they’ll use your 2023 tax return.

Single: IRMAA kicks in at $103,000+
Married Filing Jointly: Starts at $206,000+

There are 5 tiers, and the more you make, the more you pay.

✅ Step 2: Know the Extra Costs

On top of your normal premiums:

• You’ll pay $69.90–$419.30 extra/month for Part B

• And $12.90–$81.00 extra/month for Part D

This is per person, so married couples could see thousands in added costs each year.

✅ Step 3: File an Appeal if Your Income Dropped

Did you retire recently? Sell property? Lose a spouse?

You may qualify for a life-changing event adjustment using Form SSA-44.  (LINK TO THE FORMS ON THE WEBSITE)
We help our clients with this process all the time—at no cost.

Real Story: Turning IRMAA Into a Win

When Rob and Sherri from Jacksonville sold a rental property in 2022, their 2024 IRMAA notice was a shock. They were both paying over $500/month more than expected.

We walked them through the appeal process, filed the correct documentation, and got their IRMAA lowered by over $7,000 for the year.

The Success You Want

You shouldn’t be punished for planning well. With the right help, you can:

• Understand what triggers IRMAA

• Avoid unnecessary premium hikes

• Appeal for a lower rate if eligible

• Make strategic financial moves with Medicare in mind

Your Next Step

Worried about IRMAA—or already paying it? Let’s talk.

➡️ Visit www.merebenefits.com/medicare or call our office for a confidential review of your current or future Medicare premiums.

We’ll help you navigate IRMAA, reduce your stress, and possibly lower what you pay.

#simplyforyourbenefit
Helping smart retirees avoid costly surprises—across Jacksonville, Clay, and St. Johns counties.