When a new decision makes sense
For 2026, Social Security usually set IRMAA from your 2024 tax return. If you were still working in 2024 and retired since, that income may be much higher than what you live on now. Retiring is a work stoppage, one of the life-changing events Social Security accepts. Cutting back to part-time work is a work reduction, and losing a pension from an employer that failed or ended its plan is a loss of employer pension income.
Check the 2026 brackets first to see whether your newer income would drop you to a lower tier or to the standard premium of $202.90. See what is IRMAA, or try the IRMAA calculator.
How to ask Social Security to lower it
- Get form SSA-44. Download it from ssa.gov or ask Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Describe the event. Check work stoppage or work reduction and give the date it happened.
- Report the income. Give your modified adjusted gross income for the year with the lower income. If you've filed that year's return, attach a signed copy or an IRS transcript; if not, give an estimate.
- Add proof of the event. Social Security accepts, for example, a statement from your employer, a retirement letter, or your own signed statement about the work stoppage.
- Submit it. Mail or bring it to your local Social Security office, or call to ask about an appointment. Find yours with the office locator.
Tip: You can file as soon as you get an IRMAA notice, or once you know your income has dropped.
Notes for Oklahoma retirees
- Public retirees: if you retired from the State of Oklahoma, a school district or a local government, a letter from your employer or retirement system (such as OTRS or OPERS) showing your retirement date can serve as proof.
- Farm, ranch and mineral income: selling land, equipment or mineral rights is a one-time gain, not a life-changing event, and can raise IRMAA two years later.
- Medicare Advantage or Part D members: the Part D IRMAA is billed by Medicare or taken from your Social Security payment, so lowering it doesn't change your plan.
Get help
A licensed insurance agent who works with Benefits Life can help you review your Medicare plan costs after you retire and compare plans from the companies they work with, at no cost to you. You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. See also Medicare costs in 2026.
Related questions
What is IRMAA?
The 2026 brackets.
How much is Part B in 2027?
Where the amounts stand.
Do I need Part B if I'm still working?
Signing up when you retire.
Sources
- Social Security — Request to lower an IRMAA
- Social Security — Form SSA-44, Life-Changing Event
- Social Security POMS — HI 01120.030, Life-changing event
- Social Security POMS — HI 01140.001, IRMAA appeals process
More questions in this guide
- Do I have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A?
- How much does Medicare cost per month in Oklahoma?
- How much is Medicare Part B in 2027?
- What is IRMAA and will I have to pay it?
- What is the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap for 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare costs in 2026 for Oklahomans · All questions
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a life-changing event?
Social Security lists marriage, divorce or annulment, death of a spouse, work stoppage, work reduction, loss of income-producing property, loss of employer pension income, and receipt of a settlement payment from a current or former employer. A one-time gain, such as selling a house or stocks, isn't one.
Is filing form SSA-44 an appeal?
No. It asks for a new initial determination based on your life-changing event. If you think Social Security used wrong or outdated tax information, or you disagree with its decision, you can request reconsideration instead, generally within 60 days of receiving the notice.
What if my income estimate turns out wrong?
Social Security later checks your estimate against your tax information from the IRS and can correct your IRMAA, up or down. Keep your estimate realistic and keep copies of what you send.
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