NEVER IGNORE Your Medicare Part B Bill — $202 Per Month Is Leaving Your Social Security Check
Every month, before your Social Security check reaches your bank account, Medicare automatically deducts your Part B premium. In 2026, that deduction increased to $202.90 per month — up from $185 in 2025. That is a 9.7% increase — the second highest in Medicare's history. And most seniors never saw it coming.
The 2026 Social Security COLA gave the average senior $56 more per month. Medicare immediately took back $17.90 of that — consuming 32% of the entire raise before it ever reached your bank account. Your net increase was only $38.10.
What Changed In 2026
2026 IRMAA Tiers — Is Your Premium Higher?
If your income in 2024 exceeded certain thresholds, your 2026 Medicare premium is significantly higher than $202.90. This surcharge is called IRMAA — Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.
| Single Income (2024) | Married Income (2024) | 2026 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Below $106,000 | Below $212,000 | $202.90 |
| $106K–$133K | $212K–$266K | $289.90 |
| $133K–$167K | $266K–$334K | $369.90 |
| $167K–$200K | $334K–$400K | $449.90 |
| $200K–$500K | $400K–$750K | $530.90 |
| Above $500K | Above $750K | $689.90 |
The Medicare Giveback Benefit — Get $202 Back
Here is something most seniors never hear about — the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit. Certain Medicare Advantage plans offer to pay part or all of your Part B premium on your behalf — effectively putting money back into your Social Security check every month.
- Available through select Medicare Advantage plans in your area
- Can reduce your premium by $10 to $202.90 per month
- Applied as a credit to your Social Security check
- Must enroll during Open Enrollment: Oct 15 — Dec 7
- Check availability at Medicare.gov/plan-compare
Use our free IRMAA calculator at truevaluetax.netlify.app/tools.html to find out exactly what your 2026 Medicare premium should be — and whether you are paying more than you legally owe.
How To Appeal Your IRMAA Surcharge
If your income dropped in 2025 compared to 2024 — because of retirement, reduced hours, or a life-changing event — you can appeal your IRMAA surcharge using Form SSA-44.
- Download Form SSA-44 at SSA.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf
- Document your qualifying life-changing event
- Provide proof of current lower income
- Submit to your local Social Security office
- SSA processes and reduces premium prospectively from approval date
Official Sources
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Part B Premiums Official
- Medicare.gov — Plan Compare Tool
- SSA Form SSA-44 — IRMAA Appeal
Use our free IRMAA Medicare Calculator — find out exactly what your 2026 premium should be in under 60 seconds
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