Roth Conversions May Lead to Higher Medicare Premiums Due to IRMAA
Medicare costs have increased, with the standard Part B premium rising to $202.90 per month in 2026. This increase is compounded by the potential impact of Roth conversions on Medicare premiums. A Roth conversion involves moving funds from a traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth account, which can increase taxable income for the year of conversion. This increase in income can trigger higher income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA), leading to elevated Medicare premiums. The IRMAA uses a two-year lookback to determine fees, meaning a Roth conversion in 2026 could affect premiums in 2028. IRMAA fees apply when a single tax filer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $109,000, or $218,000 for married couples filing jointly.