Understanding Medicare Surcharge (IRMAA) and Its Impact on P&G Employees

Understanding Medicare Surcharge (IRMAA) and Its Impact on P&G Employees

By
Brad Morgan & Nate Kunkel
|
December 10, 2024

Navigating retirement can be complex, especially when managing healthcare expenses. One area that often surprises retirees is the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), commonly referred to as the Medicare surcharge. For P&G employees, understanding how IRMAA works and taking steps to mitigate its impact can safeguard your financial health.

What is the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)?

IRMAA is an additional charge added to your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums. This surcharge applies to higher-income individuals based on their Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) as reported on tax returns from two years prior. For instance, your 2024 premiums are determined by your 2022 MAGI [1].

How IRMAA Affects Medicare Part B and Part D Premiums

IRMAA introduces a tiered structure that increases premiums as your income rises above certain thresholds. These surcharges are significant and can considerably affect retirees' cash flow [2].

Detailed Breakdown of 2024 IRMAA Premiums

Medicare Part B Monthly Premiums by Income
MAGI Range (Single Filers)MAGI Range (Joint Filers)Part B Premium
$103,000 or less$206,000 or less$174.70
 $103,001–$129,000$206,001–$258,000$244.60
$129,001–$161,000 $258,001–$322,000 $349.40 
$161,001–$193,000 $322,001–$386,000 $454.20  
$193,001–$499,999  $386,001–$749,999$559.00 
$500,000 or more  $750,000 or more    $594.00 

Medicare Part D Premium Surcharges by Income
MAGI Range (Single Filers)MAGI Range (Joint Filers)Part D Surcharge
$103,000 or less$206,000 or less$0.00
 $103,001–$129,000$206,001–$258,000$12.90
$129,001–$161,000 $258,001–$322,000 $33.30
$161,001–$193,000 $322,001–$386,000 $53.80
$193,001–$499,999  $386,001–$749,999$74.20
$500,000 or more  $750,000 or more    $81.00

Key Factors Leading to IRMAA Charges

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Explained

MAGI is your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) plus certain deductions. This figure determines your IRMAA surcharge [1].

Common Triggers: Stock Sales, Distributions, and Conversions

Large distributions from retirement accounts, stock sales, or Roth conversions can unexpectedly push retirees into higher IRMAA brackets [5].

The Financial Impact of IRMAA on Retirees

For retirees, higher premiums due to IRMAA can reduce discretionary income, impacting lifestyle choices and financial planning. Proper preparation can help mitigate these effects [6].

How to File an IRMAA Appeal

If a "life-changing event" reduces your income below the IRMAA threshold, you can appeal the surcharge [3].

Qualifying Life-Changing Events

- Retirement

- Marriage or divorce

- Death of a spouse

- Loss of income-producing property

- Work stoppage or reduction

Documentation Needed for Filing Form SSA-44

To appeal, you'll need to complete Form SSA-44 and provide supporting documents such as tax returns, severance letters, or proof of reduced income [4].

Step-by-Step Appeal Process with the SSA

1. Complete Form SSA-44.

2. Gather all necessary supporting documents.

3. Submit your appeal to the Social Security Administration.

Strategies to Manage and Mitigate IRMAA

Proactive Income Planning

Work with financial professionals to forecast income and time large transactions carefully [5].

Strategic Tax Coordination with Professionals

Collaborate with tax advisors to align income strategies and minimize IRMAA impacts [6].

Timing Large Transactions to Avoid Threshold Surpasses

Schedule Roth conversions or distributions to keep income below surcharge thresholds [5].

How Savvy Wealth Helps P&G Employees with IRMAA

Expert Guidance and Tailored Solutions

At Savvy Wealth, we specialize in helping P&G employees navigate IRMAA with custom strategies.

Support for Appeals and Tax Strategies

Our team assists with IRMAA appeals and coordinates with tax professionals to ensure a seamless process.

Educational Initiatives: The Bounty of Wealth Newsletter

Stay informed with our newsletter, Bounty of Wealth, which provides insights tailored for P&G retirees.

FAQs About IRMAA and Medicare Premiums

Q: What is the Income Threshold for IRMAA in 2024?

A: For single filers, it's $103,000; for joint filers, $206,000 [2].

Q: Can IRMAA Be Avoided Entirely?

A: Yes, with proactive planning and income management [5].

Q: What Happens if My Income Drops After IRMAA Is Applied?

A: You can appeal by filing Form SSA-44 [3].

Q: How Does Filing Status Affect IRMAA?

A: Married couples filing jointly have higher thresholds compared to single filers [2].


Q: Is IRMAA Applied Permanently

A: No, IRMAA is recalculated annually based on your income [1].

Q: How Long Does It Take to Process an IRMAA Appeal?

A: Typically, appeals are processed within 60 days [3].

Conclusion: Securing Your Wealth Through Strategic Medicare Planning

Understanding IRMAA and planning effectively can save retirees thousands annually. With Savvy Wealth's expert guidance, P&G employees can confidently navigate Medicare surcharges, protecting their financial well-being.

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Brad Morgan

Hi there! 👋🏼 I'm Brad, a former Procter & Gamble employee turned financial advisor. With a focus on tax planning, I've been a trusted advisor for the P&G community for over ten years.

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Brad Morgan is an investment adviser representative with Savvy Advisors, Inc. (“Savvy Advisors”). Savvy Advisors is an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speakers and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Savvy Advisors. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but are not assured as to accuracy.

Citations:

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/irmaa-brackets

[2] https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles

[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-avoid-irmaa

[4] https://smartasset.com/retirement/form-ssa-44

[5] https://seasidewealth.com/blog/reducing-medicare-irmaa-a-simple-guide-for-effective-retirement-planning

[6] https://abacuswealth.com/managing-medicare-costs-strategies-to-tackle-irmaa/

[7] https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/medicare/what-is-the-medicare-irmaa

[8] https://flagstonefm.com/understanding-medicare-irmaa-a-retirees-guide/

Disclosure: Material prepared herein has been created for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation.  Information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable but was not verified for accuracy.  It is important to note that federal tax laws under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of the United States are subject to change, therefore it is the responsibility of taxpayers to verify their taxation obligations.