Alli Thomas 
Medicare Part B will see a 15% cost increase in 2022. This is one of the largest in the history of the program. Not only will premiums rise significantly, but the income-related surcharge known as IRMAA will increase in 2022 as well.
Why Will Part B Premiums Increase?
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), COVID-related price hikes and a higher rate of medical care usage have pushed up Part B premiums.
Another reason is related to potential administration of a new Alzheimer’s medication called Aduhelm. It has a price tag of $56,000 per year and if it were covered by Medicare, could significantly increase program spending.
What about IRMAA?
High-income beneficiaries, a status determined by 2020 federal tax filings, will also have to pay higher surcharges for Part B.
Modified adjusted gross income in 2020 of $91,000 or higher (for single filers) or $182,000 or higher (for married filers) will result in a Part B surcharge between $68 to $408 per month in addition to the regular Part B premium (see below chart).
| 2020 Single Filer | 2020 Married Filing Jointly | 2020 Married Filing Single | 2022 Part B Premium + IRMAA |
| $91,000 and less | $182,000 and less | $91,000 and less | $170.10 |
| $91,000 – $114,000 | $182,000 – $228,000 | N/A | $238.10 |
| $114,001 – $142,000 | $228,001 – $284,000 | N/A | $340.20 |
| $142,001 – $170,000 | $284,001 – $340,000 | N/A | $442.30 |
| $170,001 – $500,000 | $340,001 – $750,000 | $91,001 – $409,000 | $544.30 |
| $500,001 + | $750,001 + | $409,001 + | $578.30 |
Part D (prescription drug coverage) also penalizes high-income beneficiaries. The IRMAA surcharge on Part D can range from about $12 to more than $75 per month in addition to the standard Part D premium.
Strategies to Avoid IRMA
- If you’re planning on doing a Roth IRA conversion, plan it carefully, as it will increase your taxable income.
- If you invest in municipal bonds (which can be a great source of tax-exempt income), be aware that that interest can affect your Medicare premiums
- If you are a higher-income retiree and have had a life-changing event, make sure to notify Social Security by filing an IRMAA appeal.
- If you plan to sell any appreciated assets (including real estate), know what your options are to minimize your taxable income.
- Consider opening a Medicare Savings Account (MSA) if you meet eligibility requirements.
- Understand how taking annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts might affect your taxable income.
- Consider making a qualified charitable donation (QCD) to reduce your tax liability.
Read more: Three Ways to Reduce Your Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) for Medicare Part B
Looking for more ideas to avoid paying IRMAA? Click here to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and review of your financial plan using our Oakmont Blueprint Process.
