Understanding Your New Social Security Statement: What to Know About Medicare Part B and Potential IRMAA Surcharges for 2026
Understanding Your New Social Security Statement: What to Know About Medicare Part B and Potential IRMAA Surcharges for 2026
As we move into a new year, many people begin receiving updated Social Security benefit statements in the mail. These statements not only show your projected monthly benefit but also reveal your Medicare Part B premium for the upcoming year—along with any additional charges, such as IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), that may apply.
If you recently opened your 2026 Social Security statement and noticed higher-than-expected deductions, you're not alone. Here's what you need to know.
Why Your Social Security Statement Shows New Medicare Premiums
Each fall, Medicare announces updated premiums for the coming year. Your Social Security statement includes these amounts so you can see:
- Your gross Social Security benefit
- Your Medicare Part B premium deduction
- Any applicable IRMAA surcharges for Part B and/or Part D
- Your net monthly benefit (what you’ll actually receive)
This transparency helps you plan for the year ahead—especially if your premium has changed.
What Is Changing for Medicare Part B in 2026?
Every year, Part B premiums may adjust to reflect health care costs and changes in the Medicare program. Your statement will show the new monthly premium for 2026, and this amount will automatically be deducted from your Social Security benefit unless you pay it separately.
Why You Might See IRMAA Charges
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, and it’s an additional charge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income is above certain limits.
How IRMAA Is Determined
Social Security looks at your tax return from two years prior—which means your 2024 income determines your 2026 IRMAA tier.
You may see IRMAA charges in your statement if:
- You had unusually high income in 2024 (such as capital gains, Roth conversions, property sales, etc.)
- Your income increased due to bonuses, overtime, or distributions
- You filed jointly but now file singly (or vice versa)
- Your tax return was amended or corrected
What If Your Income Has Gone Down Since 2024?
Many people receive IRMAA charges even though their current income is much lower—especially after retiring.
The good news:
You may qualify to have IRMAA reduced or removed.
You can file an IRMAA Reconsideration Request if you experienced a life-changing event, such as:
- Retirement or reduced work hours
- Marriage or divorce
- Death of a spouse
- Loss of income from property
- Employer settlement payout ending
Social Security may then adjust your IRMAA based on your current income, not your income from two years ago.
What to Do When You Receive Your Statement
If your 2026 statement has unexpected Part B premiums or new IRMAA charges, here are the steps to take:
✔ 1. Review the premiums carefully
Confirm the Part B amount and look for any IRMAA line items.
✔ 2. Compare them to your current financial situation
If the income used to calculate IRMAA doesn’t reflect your actual current income, you may be eligible for a reduction.
✔ 3. Gather supporting documents
This may include recent pay stubs, retirement letters, or other financial documentation.
✔ 4. File an appeal if needed
You can request a review using Form SSA-44 if you experienced a qualifying life-changing event.
Don’t Panic—Help Is Available
Seeing higher-than-expected deductions on your Social Security statement can be frustrating and confusing. But in many cases, higher premiums—especially IRMAA—can be corrected with the right documentation.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify or need help understanding your 2026 statement, reaching out to Senior Insurance Advisors can help you make sense of your situation and explore available options.












