IRS Exceptions for Medicare IRMAA: Reduce Medicare Costs Now!

Are you in the lucky top 4% of earners? You will pay more for your Medicare benefits.  The more is IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount).  The amount you pay for your Medicare health and prescription drug coverage depends on your level of income.  There is a ladder.

Would you like to avoid paying that tax or possibly pay a smaller portion of it? We will guide you through the key IRS exceptions for Medicare IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). By understanding and leveraging these exceptions, you can potentially lower your Medicare expenses and put more money back in your pocket.

Medicare IRMAA is an additional premium that high-income Medicare beneficiaries are required to pay. However, there are exceptions that may enable you to reduce or even eliminate this extra cost. Knowing the ins and outs of these exceptions can make a significant difference in your healthcare expenses.

In our comprehensive guide, we will break down each exception and provide you with the information you need to take advantage of them. From ‘Life-Changing Events’ to ‘Reconsideration Requests,’ we will explore all the options available to you.

Understanding the IRS Exceptions for IRMAA

The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA, is an additional premium that high-income Medicare beneficiaries have to pay. However, the IRS provides exceptions that may allow you to reduce or eliminate this extra cost. Let’s explore these exceptions in detail.

Life-Changing Event

One of the exceptions to IRMAA is a life-changing event. This includes events like marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, or work stoppage. If you experience any of these events, you may be eligible for a reduction in your Medicare costs.

To qualify for this exception, you will need to provide documentation of the life-changing event and submit it to the IRS. Documentation is key. The IRS will not take your word for it. You need to prove your income decreased.

Examples of documentation may include a marriage license or divorce decree, death certificate, or proof of work stoppage. By leveraging this exception, you can potentially save a significant amount of money on your monthly Medicare premium.

Medicare IRMAA Exception 1: Marriage or Divorce

Getting married or divorced can have a significant impact on your income and, consequently, your Medicare costs.

If you are recently divorced and you are a lower income earner, you may drop below the IRMAA threshold or at least step down the ladder, which would reduce your tax.
For some individuals, marriage may reduce their income because alimony is lost. The threshold is increased because it is for two persons. The initial threshold for a single individual is $103,000. For married filing jointly, it is $206,000. Either of these lifestyle changes may affect your income in that year and, consequently, your IRMAA tax, even if your income was higher in the previous year.

To take advantage of this exception, you must provide documentation of the marriage or divorce and proof of the change in income. By doing so, you can potentially save a significant amount on your Medicare expenses.

Medicare IRMAA Exception 2: Work Stoppage or Reduction

If you experience a work stoppage or a significant reduction in your work hours, you may be eligible for an exception to IRMAA. This can happen if you retire, get laid off, or experience a reduction in your income due to other circumstances.  This is probably the most common reason high-income earners should apply for the exception.  Their income was significantly higher the previous year because of work, but the year they retire and must pay the Medicare premium, their income is drastically smaller.  That is what the exception is for.

To qualify for this exception, you will need to provide documentation of the work stoppage or reduction in work hours, along with proof of the decrease in income. By doing so, you can potentially reduce or eliminate the additional premium you have to pay.

Medicare IRMAA Exception 3: Loss of Income-Producing Property

If you experienced a loss of income-producing property, such as rental properties or investments, you may be eligible for an exception to IRMAA. This can happen if your rental property becomes unprofitable or if you experience significant losses in your investments.

I had a high-net-worth client who lost significant rental income because of flooding in Missouri. His properties produced nothing for several years as he settled with insurance companies and repaired buildings.

To qualify for this exception, you will need to provide documentation of the loss of income-producing property, along with proof of the decrease in income. By leveraging this exception, you can potentially lower your Medicare costs and save money.

Medicare IRMAA Exception 5: Loss of Pension Income

Pension plans go bankrupt. Some pensions are for a particular duration. The cessation of a pension may impact your income significantly enough to affect the IRMAA tax.

To qualify for this exception, you will need to provide documentation of the change in income, along with proof of the decrease in income. By taking advantage of this exception, you can potentially reduce or eliminate the additional premium you have to pay.

Medicare IRMAA Exception 6: Employer Settlement Payment

Employers pay out settlements to employees for many reasons.  These settlements may increase income in a given year or for several.  The settlement may have its own legal stipulations.

To qualify for this exception, you will need to provide documentation of the change in income, along with proof of the decrease in income. Some legal settlements may be placed legally outside of your modified adjusted gross income.  By taking advantage of this exception, you can potentially reduce or eliminate the additional premium you have to pay.

Medicare IRMAA Exception 7: Correcting An Erroneous Determination

Sometimes, the IRS may make an erroneous determination regarding your Medicare costs. If you believe that the IRS made a mistake in calculating your IRMAA, you can submit a reconsideration request and provide additional documentation to correct the error.

To qualify for this exception, you will need to provide evidence that the IRS made an error in its determination. This can include documentation of your income, tax returns, or any other relevant information that supports your case. Correcting an erroneous determination can potentially save you a significant amount on your Medicare expenses.

Applying for a IRMAA exception

To apply for an exception to IRMAA and reduce your Medicare costs, you will need to follow a few steps.

First, gather all the necessary documentation to support your case. This includes marriage or divorce certificates, death certificates, proof of work stoppage or reduction, documentation of the loss of income-producing property, proof of a change in tax-exempt income, or evidence of an erroneous determination.

Next, complete the appropriate forms provided by the IRS SSA-44 (12-2023). These forms may vary depending on the exception you are applying for. Make sure to fill them out accurately and include all the required information.
Once you have completed the forms, submit them to the IRS along with the supporting documentation. It is crucial to keep copies of all the documents and forms for your records.

After submitting your application, the IRS will review your case and make a determination. If your exception is approved, you will receive a notification informing you of the reduction or elimination of your IRMAA.
By applying for an exception and reducing your Medicare costs, you can put more money back in your pocket and have a significant impact on your overall healthcare expenses.

Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore the IRMAA Exceptions

Leveraging the key IRS exceptions for IRMAA can reduce your Medicare costs. Whether you have experienced a life-changing event, a change in income, or an erroneous determination, understanding these

exceptions can significantly reduce your healthcare expenses.

Don’t let high-income Medicare premiums burden your finances. Take the necessary steps to apply for an exception and potentially reduce or eliminate your IRMAA. By doing so, you can save money and have more control over your healthcare expenses.