What services does MyMedicareMike.com offer?

We help individuals understand, compare, and enroll in Medicare plans. Our team provides personalized guidance on Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Do you charge for Medicare consultations?

No, our services are completely free to you. As licensed and independent Medicare advisors, we’re compensated by the insurance carriers, not our clients.

What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces your Original Medicare and often includes extras like dental or vision. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles.

Can you help me review my current Medicare plan?

Absolutely. We provide free annual plan reviews to ensure your coverage still fits your healthcare needs and budget, since plans and costs can change each year.

When can I enroll or make changes to my Medicare plan?

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time you can switch, drop, or enroll in new Medicare plans. Special Enrollment Periods may apply after certain life events.

Do you represent specific insurance companies?

No. We’re an independent agency and work with multiple top-rated carriers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

Can you assist if I’m turning 65 soon and new to Medicare?

Yes. We specialize in helping first-time enrollees understand their options, avoid penalties, and get started with the right coverage before their 65th birthday.

Do you offer in-person or virtual appointments?

We offer both. You can schedule a face-to-face meeting at our New York office or connect virtually from anywhere for the same personalized guidance.

What if I’m on Medicaid or have other health coverage?

We can help you coordinate your Medicare benefits with existing coverage—including Medicaid or employer plans—so you maintain important benefits and avoid gaps.

How can I get started with MyMedicareMike.com?

Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose coverage that gives you peace of mind.

Why Is My Medicare Part B Premium Going Up And What’s An IRMAA?

What Are People Asking?

● “Why did my Medicare Part B premium go up?”
● “What is IRMAA and why am I paying it?”
● “Does everyone pay the same Medicare Part B premium?”
● “Is this a penalty for making too much money?”
● “Why is Medicare using my old income?”
● “Can my Part B premium go back down?”
● “Who decides my Medicare premium amount?”

Why Did My Medicare Part B Premium Go Up?

Medicare Part B is not free. It has a monthly premium that most beneficiaries pay. While many people pay the standard premium, some individuals pay a higher amount based on their income.
If your premium increased more than expected, the most likely reason is IRMAA. It is important to understand that this is not random and it is not determined by your doctor, your insurance company, or your Medicare advisor. It is calculated by the Social Security Administration using federal guidelines.

What Is IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)?

IRMAA is an income-based adjustment added to:
● Your Medicare Part B premium
● And sometimes your Part D prescription drug premium
In simple terms, individuals with higher reported income pay a higher monthly premium for Part B.
This adjustment does not change your coverage.
It only changes how much you pay for the same Medicare benefits.

Does Everyone Pay the Same Part B Premium?

No, not everyone pays the same amount.
Most Medicare beneficiaries pay the standard Part B premium, which in 2026 is $202.90 per month. However, individuals with income above certain thresholds pay more due to IRMAA.
For 2026, IRMAA generally begins when income exceeds:
● $109,000 for an individual
● $218,000 for a married couple filing jointly
If your income is below these levels, IRMAA typically does not apply.

Why Is Medicare Using My Old Income?

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of IRMAA. Medicare does not use your current income.
Instead, it uses your tax return from two years prior.
For example:
● 2026 premiums are typically based on your 2024 tax return
This can create confusion for people who:
● Recently retired
● Sold a home or business
● Had a one-time financial event
● Experienced a drop in income
Even if your income is lower now, Medicare may still be using higher past income to determine your premium.

Is IRMAA a Penalty?

No.
IRMAA is not a penalty and it is not a surcharge for using more healthcare. It is simply a federally mandated income-based premium adjustment. Your Medicare coverage remains exactly the same regardless of whether you pay the standard premium or an IRMAA-adjusted premium.
You are not receiving different or enhanced medical coverage for paying more.

Can My Medicare Part B Premium Go Back Down?

Yes, in certain situations it can. If your income has gone down due to a life-changing event, you may request a reconsideration through Social Security. Examples of qualifying life events may include:
● Retirement
● Divorce
● Death of a spouse
● Loss of income-producing property
● Reduction in work hours
This process allows Medicare to reassess your premium based on your current financial situation instead of past income.

Who Actually Decides My Medicare Premium Amount?

Your Medicare Part B premium and any IRMAA adjustment are determined by:
● The Social Security Administration
● Based on IRS tax return data
● Using federal income thresholds
Your insurance carrier, Medicare Advantage plan, or Supplement plan has no control over your Part B
premium. This is a key point many people do not realize.

How IRMAA Fits Into Overall Medicare Planning

While IRMAA can increase your monthly premium, it is only one part of your total Medicare cost picture. It does
not affect:
● Your access to doctors
● Your hospital coverage
● Your Medicare benefits
It strictly affects the premium you pay for Part B (and possibly Part D).
Understanding this helps remove unnecessary worry and allows for more informed financial planning during retirement.

Final Thoughts: A Calm, Clear Perspective

Seeing your Medicare Part B premium increase can be surprising, especially if you were not expecting an income-based adjustment. However, in most cases, the reason is straightforward and tied to past income reporting.
The key points to remember are:
● Most people pay the standard Part B premium
● IRMAA is income-based, not usage-based
● It does not change your Medicare coverage
● It is based on income from two years prior
Having clear, accurate information about Medicare premiums and IRMAA allows you to make confident decisions without confusion, stress, or misinformation — which is especially important as you navigate your Medicare years.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:

Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
three months before your 65th birthday month.
General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
each year for those who missed their IEP.
Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
plans.
Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.

By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.

Do I have to sign up for Medicare?

It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.

Does Medicare cover Prescription Medications?

No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.

I want to be able to go to any doctor/hospital, are there networks with Medicare?

There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.

Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.

Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.