Medicare Part D
Part B and Part D Income Surcharges in Bridgeport
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — As the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs through Dec. 7, many local retirees are focused on picking a drug or Advantage plan. But there's another number that will shape what you pay in 2027, and it has nothing to do with which plan you choose: your income.
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Key takeaways
- The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs through Dec. 7, and it lasts from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
- In 2026, IRMAA surcharges on Part B and Part D start once a single filer's 2024 modified adjusted gross income crosses $109,000, with the highest tier at $500,000 for single filers or $750,000 for joint filers.
- If you've had a qualifying life-changing event, like retirement, you can file Form SSA-44 with proof to ask Social Security to use more recent income instead of your 2024 return.
- In 2027, the Part D out-of-pocket drug cap is $2,400, the maximum deductible is $700, and the coverage gap remains eliminated, with an optional payment plan available to spread drug costs across the year.
Bridgeport retirees: your 2025 tax return is quietly setting your 2027 Medicare bill
In 2026, higher-income beneficiaries will again pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, on top of the standard Part B and Part D premiums. The surcharge starts once your 2024 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) crosses $109,000 for a single filer, according to CMS in 2026. If you're near that line, a little planning now can prevent a surprise letter from Social Security in January.
What IRMAA actually is
IRMAA is not a penalty. It's an extra amount that higher earners pay for Medicare Part B (outpatient care) and Part D (prescription drugs). Social Security calculates it automatically using the most recent tax return the IRS has on file — for 2027, that's usually your 2025 return.
Two important things to know:
- The surcharge applies per person, not per household. In a married couple where both spouses have Medicare, each may owe IRMAA.
- The Part D surcharge is billed separately from your plan premium. Most people pay it directly to Medicare, even if their drug plan premium is drafted from Social Security.
The 2026 income thresholds
For 2026, IRMAA kicks in above these MAGI levels (based on your 2024 tax return):
- Single filers: above $109,000
- Married filing jointly: above $218,000
- Married filing separately: a much lower threshold applies, and the surcharge climbs quickly
From there, the surcharge is tiered. The more your income exceeds each threshold, the larger the add-on for both Part B and Part D. The highest tier applies to single filers with MAGI at or above $500,000 (or $750,000 for joint filers). Exact dollar amounts for each tier are posted on medicare.gov.
Why 2024 income matters right now
Because IRMAA looks back two years, the income you reported for tax year 2025 — a one-time Roth conversion, the sale of a second home, a large capital gain, or an inherited IRA distribution — can push you over a threshold in 2027 even if your income has since dropped.
That two-year lag catches many people off guard, especially those who recently retired.
How to appeal if your income has dropped
If you've had a life-changing event, you can ask Social Security to use more recent income instead. Qualifying events include:
- Retirement or reduced work hours
- Marriage, divorce, or the death of a spouse
- Loss of pension income
- Loss of income-producing property (not due to sale)
You file Form SSA-44 with proof (a retirement letter, a death certificate, etc.). Many Bridgeport residents don't realize this option exists — and it's free to request.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring the letter. If Social Security sends an IRMAA determination and you disagree, you have 60 days to request a new decision.
- Assuming your plan choice fixes it. Switching Part D plans during AEP won't remove IRMAA. The surcharge is based on income, not plan.
- Forgetting tax-exempt interest. MAGI for IRMAA includes tax-exempt municipal bond interest. That can quietly tip you over.
- Missing the appeal window after retiring. If you stopped working in 2026, file SSA-44 rather than waiting for the 2027 bill.
By the numbers
Medicare Part B premium, 2006–2026
The standard monthly Part B premium has climbed from $88.50 in 2006 to $202.90 in 2026. Hover any point for that year’s premium.
Source: CMS. Standard premium shown; in some hold-harmless years many existing enrollees paid less. Confirm at Medicare.gov.
What else is changing for 2027
Even for people who don't owe IRMAA, Part D is getting a meaningful update. The out-of-pocket drug cap is $2,400 in 2027, the maximum Part D deductible is $700, and the coverage gap ("donut hole") remains eliminated. The optional Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread drug costs across the calendar year instead of paying large amounts at the pharmacy counter.
Bridgeport is in Fairfield County, where a range of stand-alone Part D and Medicare Advantage options are available during AEP (Oct. 15–Dec. 7). Availability counts and plan details are posted on the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov.
Higher-income surcharges
2026 IRMAA income brackets
If your income is above a threshold, you pay an income-related surcharge (IRMAA) on top of your Part B and Part D premiums. Your 2027 surcharge is based on your 2025 tax return. CMS publishes the 2027 brackets and surcharge amounts later in the fall; the 2026 figures below are shown for reference.
| Income — single filer | Income — married, joint | Part B monthly premium | Part D surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $202.90 | Plan premium only |
| $109,001 – $137,000 | $218,001 – $274,000 | $284.10 | + $14.50 |
| $137,001 – $171,000 | $274,001 – $342,000 | $405.80 | + $37.40 |
| $171,001 – $205,000 | $342,001 – $410,000 | $527.50 | + $60.40 |
| $205,001 – $500,000 | $410,001 – $750,000 | $649.30 | + $83.30 |
| Above $500,000 | Above $750,000 | $689.90 | + $91.00 |
Standard Part B premium is $202.90/month. Part D surcharges are added to your drug plan’s premium. Married-filing-separately uses a different, compressed schedule. Confirm current amounts at Medicare.gov.
Try it
Find your 2026 Medicare premium
Most people pay the standard Part B premium. If your 2024 income was higher, an income-related surcharge (IRMAA) applies. Enter your details to see your bracket.
Surcharges are added to your premiums and based on your 2024 tax return. Married-filing-separately uses a different schedule. Confirm at Medicare.gov.
Try it
How the 2026 Part D drug cap works
Slide to your estimated yearly prescription costs and see how the new $2,100 out-of-pocket cap protects you. This illustrates the standard Part D benefit; your plan may structure costs differently.
Once your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches $2,100, you pay nothing more for the rest of 2026. Confirm details at Medicare.gov.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Q: I just retired in 2026. Will I owe IRMAA in 2027 based on my old salary?
Q: Does IRMAA come out of my Social Security check?
Q: My income was just $2,000 over the threshold. Is there a phase-in?
- CMS — Medicare costs & IRMAA (medicare.gov)
For personalized answers, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local SHIP.