2026 Medicare Cost Shock: Part B JUMPS | How Your 2024 Income Triggers IRMAA (And Ways to Escape)

Описание: Medicare costs are projected to soar in 2026, catching many retirees off guard. The standard Medicare Part B premium is projected to jump 11.6% to $206.50 per month, which would be the largest Part B premium hike since 2022.
Additionally, the Part B annual deductible is expected to increase to $288.00.
For higher earners, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) will be the biggest surprise, especially because of Medicare's strict timing rules. In this video, we break down the critical two-year look-back rule: your 2024 Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) determines your 2026 Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. Missing a threshold by just one dollar can bump you into a higher bracket and cost you hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars more a year in premiums.

What Triggers the IRMAA Trap? IRMAA surcharges are triggered by taxable income sources like:
• Large Roth conversions concentrated in one year.
• Significant capital gains (e.g., selling stock or a second home).
• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) stacked on top of other income.
• For federal retirees, substantial FERS annuity payments or large TSP withdrawals.

3 MUST-USE Strategies to Legally Reduce MAGI and AVOID IRMAA in Future Years: The best way to avoid IRMAA is to proactively manage your MAGI in the current year.

1) Roth Conversions During Gap Years: Perform Roth conversions during your "gap years" (before RMDs begin) to reduce future taxable RMDs, which are a major IRMAA trigger.
2) Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you are 70½ or older, a QCD is a direct donation from your Traditional IRA that avoids being included in your AGI, thereby keeping your MAGI lower and helping you avoid IRMAA.
3) Income Smoothing & Withdrawal Sequencing: Retirees should coordinate withdrawals, such as from the TSP, and spread distributions across multiple tax years to prevent MAGI spikes. What If You

Already Hit a Bracket? If your income drops significantly due to a qualifying life-changing event (such as retirement, divorce, or job loss), you can appeal the determination using Form SSA-44. Don't wait until November 2025 for the official 2026 IRMAA brackets; start reviewing your 2024 tax return now!

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