IRMAA: The Medicare Premium Surprise and How to Avoid It
About this episode
Roger discusses IRMAA Medicare surcharges and their implications for retirees, along with listener questions on various financial topics.
This week Roger breaks down IRMAA Medicare surcharges and why retirees should understand them without letting them dominate retirement planning decisions. He explains how the income thresholds work, common planning mistakes to avoid, and what happens if you cross into a higher premium bracket. Listener questions cover gifting strategies with adult children, Social Security claiming options for spouses, health insurance before Medicare, long-term care planning, combining finances later in life, and the tax treatment of gifts. OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN (00:00) Roger introduces IRMAA Medicare surcharges and explains why understanding them can help avoid surprises and unforced planning mistakes. RETIREMENT TOOLKIT (01:28) Roger breaks down IRMAA Medicare surcharges, explaining when they apply, why they matter, and how retirees can avoid being caught off guard by higher Medicare premiums. LISTENER QUESTIONS (15:11) John asks whether purpose-driven gifts to adult children impose the giver's values and how to balance generosity with expectations. (26:50) Joe asks how Social Security spousal benefits work when one spouse delays claiming until age 70. (31:50)…
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