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The answer

How do I appeal IRMAA?


You appeal IRMAA, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, by asking Social Security to reconsider the income they used.

Because IRMAA is based on your tax return from two years earlier, the figure can be outdated if your income has dropped. You can request a new decision if you had a qualifying life-changing event, such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, retirement, or a reduction in work hours, that lowered your income. You file a form with Social Security explaining the change and provide documentation, like a tax return or proof of the event. If approved, your surcharge is recalculated using your more current, lower income. There are deadlines, so acting promptly helps. To understand whether your situation qualifies for an appeal, reach out to a licensed Goodsurance advisor at 1-888-301-8091 (TTY 711), Mon to Fri 8 am to 5 pm PT.

Source medicare.govReviewed May 2026
Full guideMedicare IRMAA, the income brackets explained