If you’ve noticed your Medicare premium went up this year, you’re not alone.
Many retirees in the Lehigh Valley are surprised to see higher deductions from their Social Security checks — even if their coverage didn’t change.
So what’s causing it?
And more importantly… is there anything you can do about it?
At Lehigh Valley Medicare Advisors, this is one of the most common questions we hear.
Let’s break it down.
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
One of the biggest reasons Medicare premiums increase is something called IRMAA.
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It’s an additional charge added to your:
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Medicare Part B premium
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Medicare Part D (prescription drug) premium
Why Did This Happen?
IRMAA is based on your income from two years ago.
So if your income increased in 2024, your 2026 Medicare premiums may reflect that.
Common triggers include:
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Large IRA or 401(k) withdrawals
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Selling a home or investment property
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Roth conversions
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Capital gains
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A one-time bonus or business sale
Many retirees don’t realize that even one large financial move can temporarily increase their Medicare costs.
Standard Medicare Premium Increases
Even without IRMAA, Medicare premiums can rise annually due to:
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Healthcare inflation
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Legislative changes
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Rising provider costs
The standard Part B premium is adjusted most years, and Part D plans may also change their pricing.
This affects everyone — not just high-income retirees.
Plan-Specific Changes
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription plan, your premium may have increased due to:
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Carrier pricing adjustments
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Changes in plan benefits
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Drug formulary updates
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Reduced government subsidies
Each year, plans can change:
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Monthly premiums
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Copays
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Provider networks
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Prescription coverage
That’s why reviewing your coverage annually is so important.
What You Can Do If Your Medicare Premium Increased
The good news? You’re not powerless.
Here are your options.
1. Check If IRMAA Was Applied
Look at your Medicare premium breakdown.
If you see a higher-than-standard Part B or Part D premium, IRMAA may be the cause.
If your income has since decreased due to:
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Retirement
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Marriage
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Divorce
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Death of a spouse
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Loss of income-producing property
You may be eligible to file an appeal with Social Security.
Many retirees don’t realize this is even possible.
2. Review Your Current Plan
If your Advantage or Part D premium increased:
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Compare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7)
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Ensure your prescriptions are still covered efficiently
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Confirm your doctors are still in-network
Even small changes can save hundreds — sometimes thousands — per year.
3. Coordinate Income Planning
For future years, proactive planning can help reduce IRMAA risk.
This might include:
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Strategic Roth conversions over multiple years
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Managing taxable withdrawals
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Spreading capital gains across tax years
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Coordinating with a financial advisor
Medicare premiums are often influenced by tax decisions — which is why income planning and Medicare planning should work together.
Why Local Medicare Guidance Matters in the Lehigh Valley
Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Local factors matter:
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Provider networks in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton
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Hospital systems
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Prescription pricing
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Regional plan availability
At Lehigh Valley Medicare Advisors, we help retirees:
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Understand why their premiums changed
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Evaluate whether they’re overpaying
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Compare local plan options
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Navigate IRMAA appeals
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Make confident, informed decisions
And consultations are always no-cost.
The Bottom Line
If your Medicare premium increased this year, it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.
But it does mean it’s worth reviewing.
A quick check could reveal:
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An appeal opportunity
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A more cost-effective plan
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A smarter income strategy for the future
Retirement should feel predictable — not full of surprise deductions.
Schedule a No-Cost Medicare Review Today
If you’d like clarity on your Medicare premiums or want to explore whether you’re paying more than necessary, reach out to Lehigh Valley Medicare Advisors.
We’re here to make Medicare simple.