If you’re a high-income retiree, you’ve likely encountered IRMAA—the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount that adds surcharges to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. And if your income has gone down or you’ve experienced a major life event, you might be wondering how to appeal that extra cost.
The IRMAA appeals process hasn’t changed much in 2025, but there are a few key things to understand—especially around how and where to submit your appeal. Here’s what you need to know to confidently—and successfully—appeal IRMAA.
What Is IRMAA?
IRMAA is an additional charge added to your standard Medicare premiums based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years ago. So, for your 2025 Medicare premiums, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is looking at your 2023 income.
If your MAGI exceeds certain thresholds, you’ll pay a higher monthly premium for both Part B and Part D. For high-income retirees, these surcharges can add up to thousands of dollars each year.
When Can You Appeal IRMAA?
There are two primary categories that qualify for an appeal:
- Life-Changing Events
If your financial situation has changed dramatically due to a major life event, the SSA allows you to appeal. Accepted life-changing events include:
- Retirement or reduction in work hours
- Marriage
- Divorce or annulment
- Death of a spouse
- Loss of income-producing property
- Loss of pension income
- Employer settlement payment
- Tax Return Errors or Updates
If the IRS provided incorrect income data to the SSA or you filed an amended tax return, you may also appeal your IRMAA determination with updated documentation.
How to Appeal IRMAA in 2025
Despite common myths, there is no online portal to submit your IRMAA appeal in 2025. However, there are two official ways to initiate your appeal: by phone or by submitting a written request.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Call the SSA (Optional)
You can initiate the process by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
HHS confirms this option here
Note: Calling SSA may be helpful to ask questions or start your appeal—but you’ll still need to submit documentation, typically by mail or fax.
- Download and Complete Form SSA-44
This is the official form for reporting a life-changing event.
You can download the SSA-44 form directly from the Social Security website (PDF). - Gather Supporting Documentation
Include tax returns, a retirement letter, proof of income reduction, or any official records related to your qualifying event. - Submit Your Appeal by Mail or Fax
You must send your completed SSA-44 form and all supporting documents to your local Social Security office.
Use the SSA Office Locator to find where to send your materials. - Follow Up
SSA doesn’t always notify you promptly. Calling to confirm receipt or checking in after a few weeks is wise.
A Note on SSA Call Wait Times
Yes, you can call the SSA—but be prepared to wait. According to a March 2025 article from Business Insider, some callers report being on hold for up to 1 hour and 44 minutes. SSA themselves suggests calling during non-peak hours—early in the day or later in the month—to avoid the longest waits.
SSA Blog: Appointments & Lines
Because of these delays, many people find it faster and more reliable to simply mail or fax their appeal materials.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an incomplete or unsigned SSA-44 form
- Forgetting to include documentation (retirement letters, tax forms, etc.)
- Mailing it to the wrong SSA office
- Assuming your financial advisor will handle it for you without checking
Tips for a Successful IRMAA Appeal
- Be detailed and accurate. Make sure your dates, income figures, and explanations are consistent.
- Stay organized. Keep copies of everything you submit, just in case.
- Follow up. The SSA will not always notify you that documents were received. Call to confirm.
- Act promptly. The sooner you appeal, the sooner you could see a reduction in your Medicare premiums.
Real-Life Example: Alice’s Retirement Appeal
Alice received a 2025 IRMAA surcharge based on her full-time income in 2023. But she had retired in early 2024, drastically reducing her income. She appealed.
She completed Form SSA-44, included a letter from her employer documenting her retirement, her 2023 tax return, and recent bank statements. She mailed everything to her local SSA office.
After six weeks and one follow-up phone call, Alice received a revised determination—her IRMAA was removed, and her Medicare premiums were significantly reduced.
Final Thoughts
If your income situation has changed, appealing your IRMAA could save you a lot of money. While there’s no online upload system, the process is straightforward—as long as you follow the right steps.
Whether you call SSA or send in your form by mail or fax, just make sure everything is filled out completely and supported by documentation. And be patient—it might take a few weeks.
Free Medicare Consultation
If you’re feeling stuck or need help with more than just IRMAA, I’ve got someone I trust completely—my wife, Niki.
Niki runs BrickhouseAgency.com, a boutique Medicare insurance agency that works with clients in nearly every state. She and her team offer no-pressure consultations, year-round support, and guidance from licensed, experienced agents who care.
You can:
- Book a free appointment at PrepareforMedicare.com or BrickhouseAgency.com
- Call (844) 844-6565 to schedule directly with a licensed agent
There’s no obligation to enroll—just smart, personalized help for your Medicare journey.
About the Author
Matt Feret is the author of the Prepare for Social Security – The Insider’s Guide and the Prepare for Medicare – The Insider’s Guide book series and launched PrepareforSocialSecurity.com and PrepareforMedicare.com to help people get objective answers to questions about Social Security and Medicare. Matt is also the host of The Matt Feret Show. He has held leadership roles at numerous Fortune 500 Medicare health insurers in sales, marketing, operations, product development, and strategy for over two decades.
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