Medicare /IRMAA timing

[Deansgg]

I am trying to figure out a couple Medicare timing questions.

I turn 65 on Dec 21, 2026. I'm pretty sure as long as I apply for Medicare before my 65th birthday I can have Medicare start Jan 1, 2027. I really can't find it so concisely written and wondering if this is true.

Assuming Medicare starts for me Jan 1, 2027 what years income is used to calculate IRMAA? I'm assuming it would be income for years ending Dec 31, 2026 and Dec 31, 2025. Is that correct?

And if I had to start Medicare on my 65th birthday (Dec 21, 2026) then IRMAA would be calculated on income for years ending Dec 31, 2025 and Dec 31, 2024 - Is that correct?

I appreciate any guidance or reference to material you can provide. Thanks.

 

[GrayHare]

IRMAA is based on the tax year from two calendar years prior, so 2027 IRMAA will be based on your 2025 income.

 

[audreyh1]

Your Medicare will start Dec 2026.

Your first month IRMAA will be based on 2024 income.

Then 2027 IRMAA will be based on 2025 income.

 

[braumeister]

Your Medicare will start Dec 2026.

Your first month IRMAA will be based on 2024 income.

Then 2027 IRMAA will be based on 2025 income.

That's the story.
And you don't start Medicare the day you turn 65, but rather on the first of the month you reach that decrepit old age.

 

[Midpack]

You probably know you can apply for Medicare as much as 3 months in advance, don’t wait until close to your birthday if you want to be in the system when first eligible.

The Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65--a total of 7 months.