Markets· August 16, 2026 at 01:01 p.m.
Gold Sale Triggers Increased Medicare Premium for Widow, Highlighting Income-Related Surcharge
Key takeaways
- Margaret's Medicare premium doubled due to a gold coin sale
- IRMAA uses income from two tax years prior
- One-time gains can trigger IRMAA surcharge
A widow in her early seventies, Margaret, received a shock when she learned that her 2026 Medicare Part B premium would be $405.80 a month, double the standard rate, due to a sale of gold coins she made in 2024. The income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) uses income from two tax years prior and can affect those approaching one-time windfalls such as home sales or inherited retirement accounts.
