FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about January, IRMAA, SSA-44, and billing. Try the free Medicare income check or see pricing for what $99/year includes.
Why did my Social Security check go down in January?
Medicare premiums (standard Part B $202.90, plus IRMAA if 2024 MAGI cleared $109,000 / $218,000) are withheld from the deposit. First-tier extra is $1,148.40 per person, $2,296.80 as a couple (CMS, Nov 14, 2025).
What income triggers the extra Medicare premium in 2026?
2024 MAGI above $109,000 single or $218,000 joint. MAGI here is AGI plus tax-exempt interest.
Is that extra amount a cliff?
Yes. $1 over the line is the full first tier for twelve months, not a $1 surcharge.
Why does Medicare use a tax return from two years ago?
SSA uses the latest return the IRS has already processed. 2026 from 2024. This year's income prices 2028.
What is form SSA-44?
A request that SSA use a more recent year after a listed life-changing event. Official door: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa
Does the free check need an account?
No. Two fields. Nothing uploaded.
What does $99 do?
Saves this household and a year-by-year income path under the Medicare line. Not a convert-or-skip call. Not advice.
How do I cancel?
Cancel anytime using the link in your Stripe receipt email or by contacting us at https://retirementtaxradar.com/contact/. Cancellation stops future renewals.
Can I get a refund?
The $99/year plan carries a 30-day money-back guarantee: reply to your Stripe receipt if you want a refund.
How do I get help with billing?
Use the link in your Stripe receipt email, or send a message via https://retirementtaxradar.com/contact/. For cancellations and refunds, replying to the receipt is usually fastest because your order is attached.
What is the extra Medicare premium?
IRMAA — an income-related extra on Part B and Part D. CMS published the 2026 amounts on November 14, 2025: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles
Does MAGI include municipal-bond interest?
Yes. For IRMAA, MAGI is AGI plus tax-exempt interest. SSA: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/medicare-premiums.html
If I just retired, can SSA-44 use a later year?
Work stoppage is a listed life-changing event. Official door: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa
Does qualifying surviving spouse use the single IRMAA table?
Yes. QSS, single, and head of household use the individual line (first extra above $109,000). Married filing jointly uses $218,000 (CMS, Nov 14, 2025).
If I die, what line does the surviving spouse face?
The same income can face the single line ($109,000, not $218,000). This card flags that. It is not a full survivor tax plan.
What does $1 over the line cost for twelve months?
The full first-tier extra: $1,148.40 per person, $2,296.80 if both are on Medicare (CMS, Nov 14, 2025). Not a $1 surcharge.