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How to Lower or Appeal Your Medicare IRMAA

If your income dropped or Social Security used the wrong information, you may be able to lower IRMAA. Here are the life-changing events, Form SSA-44 and the deadline to know.

Medicare5 min readReviewed 2026-10-14
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Short answer

You can ask Social Security to lower your IRMAA if your income went down because of a life-changing event, or if it used the wrong information. For a life-changing event you send Form SSA-44 with proof. To disagree with a decision you can request a review, generally within 60 days of the date on the notice.

Use this before you call.

Want a second pair of eyes on your IRMAA letter? Call GetFastRates.com. We are not Social Security, but a licensed agent can help you understand what to send.

Read the Social Security notice and note the income year and amount it used.

Decide whether a life-changing event applies (see the list below).

Fill out Form SSA-44 and gather proof of the event and your new income.

Send it to Social Security, and keep a copy and the date you sent it.

Watch for the new decision, and call us if you also need to review your plan.

Life-changing events Social Security recognizes

These are the situations on Form SSA-44. The event has to have happened and reduced your income.

  • Marriage
  • Divorce or annulment
  • Death of a spouse
  • Work stoppage (you stopped working)
  • Work reduction (you cut your hours or pay)
  • Loss of income-producing property
  • Loss of pension income
  • A settlement payment from an employer or former employer due to closure, bankruptcy or reorganization

What to send

The form asks for your event, its date, and your estimated income for the new year. Social Security will ask for proof, such as a retirement letter, a divorce decree, a death certificate or a statement from your employer. Social Security can use your estimated current income in place of the older tax year.

If the information was simply wrong

If Social Security used an old return that you later amended, or the income on file is not yours, you can ask for a new determination or a review of the decision. Look for the appeal rights and deadline on the notice. The common limit is 60 days from the notice date, plus a few days for mail.

Do not stop paying while you wait

Keep paying the amount on your notice while a request is pending. If you win, Social Security refunds the difference.

Common questions about this topic

Does retirement count?

Yes. Work stoppage, including retiring, is one of the life-changing events. You will need to show that your income is lower now than the year Social Security used.

Can I use this if my income dropped because of the market?

Generally no. A market change is not on the list of life-changing events. A lower income that is not on the list may not qualify, so check the form.

Will I get money back if it is approved?

Yes. If the decision changes your amount for months you already paid, Social Security refunds the difference or lowers future deductions.

Related coverage articles

What Is Medicare IRMAA? The Income-Related Premium Surcharge ExplainedIRMAA is an extra monthly charge added to Medicare Part B and Part D when your income is above set limits. Here is who pays it, how it is figured and where the money goes.Medicare IRMAA Income Brackets for 2026The 2026 IRMAA income limits for people who file single and for married couples filing jointly, based on 2024 income. Find where the extra Medicare charge starts.IRMAA and Medicare Part D: The Extra Drug Plan ChargeHigher-income people owe an extra amount for Medicare drug coverage, paid to Medicare and not to the plan. Here is how it works, and what happens if it goes unpaid.

Tools that can help

Medicare Enrollment Period CalculatorFind your Medicare enrollment window and what it means for your timing.Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty CalculatorEstimate whether a Part B late enrollment penalty could apply to you.Medicare Plan Ending FinderCheck your carrier and ZIP code against current, verified plan-ending records.

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