Medicare costs · Plain English
Will higher income change your 2027 Medicare cost?
Short answer: possibly. If your income is above certain levels, Medicare adds an extra monthly charge called IRMAA. Here's how it works, in plain language.
What is IRMAA?
IRMAA is an extra monthly charge on Part B and Part D for people above certain income levels. For 2027, Social Security generally looks at your 2025 tax return.
2027 rates are not official yet. The table below shows the official 2026 amounts for planning only. Do not use these income limits or premiums as your 2027 bill.
2026 IRMAA reference table
Based on 2024 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). All premium amounts shown are per person, per month.
2026 Medicare IRMAA income brackets and monthly Part B and Part D costs
| Single: 2024 income | Married, joint: 2024 income | Part B total | Part D extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $202.90 | $0 |
| $109,001–$137,000 | $218,001–$274,000 | $284.10 | +$14.50 |
| $137,001–$171,000 | $274,001–$342,000 | $405.80 | +$37.50 |
| $171,001–$205,000 | $342,001–$410,000 | $527.50 | +$60.40 |
| $205,001–$499,999 | $410,001–$749,999 | $649.20 | +$83.30 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $689.90 | +$91.00 |
Part B total includes the standard premium and any IRMAA. Part D extra is added to your drug plan's own premium. This table covers individual and joint returns; married people filing separately may have different brackets.
How to calculate your 2027 cost
- Find your 2025 MAGI on your tax return (generally adjusted gross income plus tax-exempt interest).
- Match your filing status and income to the 2027 IRMAA bracket when Medicare publishes it.
- Your monthly Part B cost = 2027 standard premium + 2027 Part B IRMAA. If you have Part D, your monthly drug cost = your plan premium + 2027 Part D IRMAA.
Source: Medicare.gov 2026 costs · Updated September 2026; check Medicare.gov for the official 2027 table when released.
Think IRMAA applies to you?
If your income recently dropped — retirement, a spouse passing, or other life changes — you can appeal the charge. We'll walk you through it at no cost to you.