
We Were Bitten by Medicare’s IRMAA this year; What Should I Do?
A 2024 RMD that pushed a couple's income past $218,000 raised their 2026 Medicare premiums, but lower 2025 income corrects it automatically for 2027.
Read the answerRussell “Rusty” Gloor answers AMAC member questions on claiming strategy, spousal benefits, COLA, Medicare, and more — in plain, practical language.
Real questions from AMAC members, answered in plain language by a certified advisor.

A 2024 RMD that pushed a couple's income past $218,000 raised their 2026 Medicare premiums, but lower 2025 income corrects it automatically for 2027.
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Worked unpaid for your ex-husband and have little Social Security? Learn how ex-spouse benefits and assistance programs could help boost your income.
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Medicare Part B premiums aren't a percentage of Social Security. Learn how CMS sets premiums, plus the hold harmless provision and IRMAA rules.
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Be aware that your wife's spousal SS benefit will be based on her age when she claims it, and half of your full retirement age, or "FRA," amount.
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Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs), which are earned when someone delays claiming until after their Social Security full retirement age, are applied only in January of each year.
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If your spouse’s FRA entitlement is less than half of your FRA entitlement, your spouse will get a “spousal boost” to bring his monthly retirement payment up.
Read the answerRusty’s answers, out loud. Real member questions on claiming strategy, spousal and survivor benefits, COLA, and Medicare — answered in the same plain, practical language as the column.
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Certified Social Security Advisor (NSSA) · AMAC Foundation
Rusty answers AMAC member questions about Social Security claiming strategy, spousal and survivor benefits, COLA, and Medicare enrollment — translating complex rules into plain, practical guidance.
His column has grown to hundreds of answered questions, and every reader can submit their own. For personalized help, the AMAC Foundation also offers a free, no-obligation Social Security consultation.