The Medicare Bill You Didn’t See Coming episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 7, 2026 · 9 MIN

The Medicare Bill You Didn’t See Coming

from The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen · host Brooks Bernhagen

Many retirees are shocked when Medicare costs far more than expected—and it often traces back to income from years earlier. In this episode, Brooks breaks down how Medicare premiums are tied to a two-year income lookback, why peak earning years can trigger higher monthly charges, and how IRMA brackets quietly raise costs for high earners, inheritances, and final-year bonuses. The conversation walks through how these premiums hit Social Security checks, why most people don’t see it coming, and how timing retirement decisions can influence what you pay each month. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Medicare Bill You Didn’t See Coming

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How long is this episode of The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen?

This episode is 9 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 7, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Many retirees are shocked when Medicare costs far more than expected—and it often traces back to income from years earlier. In this episode, Brooks breaks down how Medicare premiums are tied to a two-year income lookback, why peak earning years can...

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