How Medicare's IRMAA Can Erode Your Social Security Benefit feat. Paul Morrison

IRMAA isn’t a headline; it’s a hidden drain on retirement income that too many people meet for the first time in a letter. We sit down with our friend and IRMAA specialist Paul Morrison to expose how Medicare’s income-related monthly adjustment amounts work, why the two‑year tax return lookback catches people off guard, and what to do before you cross the line. From the SECURE Act’s inherited IRA rules to the surge of “unretiring” workers, the pressures pushing retirees into higher surcharges are rising fast—and often avoidable with the right plan.We break down what actually counts toward IRMAA: RMDs, wages, rental income, dividends, capital gains, pension income, and even interest on municipal bonds. Then we map the flipside—what doesn’t count—so you can build flexibility into your plan. Roth conversions (especially before age 63) reduce future RMDs and keep taxable income lower, which can also reduce the portion of Social Security that’s taxed. Properly designed cash value life insurance can provide tax‑free access to funds in high‑income years without pushing you into a new bracket. We also talk through premium inflation, how Part B and D surcharges compound over time, and why staying in higher IRMAA tiers for years can shrink a Social Security check to almost nothing.This is a practical, step‑by‑step conversation designed to help you see the road ahead. We share a real IRMAA letter, discuss one‑time events that trigger big bills, and outline how to smooth income so surprises don’t show up two years later. If you’re 55 and up, the best time to start modeling taxes and Medicare costs is now. Map your income sources, plan conversions, and choose when to realize gains so you control the brackets rather than letting the brackets control you.Ready to protect your Social Security and lower future Medicare premiums? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your top IRMAA question so we can cover it on a future show.Send us Fan MailTo learn more about Brad Pistole and the Ozark Retirement Group, please visit www.ozarksretirement.com