Blueprint · $149 · 2026 edition
Medicare & IRMAA: Enroll Right, Avoid the Surcharges
Get Medicare right the first time — and stop overpaying. Turning 65 starts a string of permanent decisions, and missing a deadline or a bracket can cost you for life. This guide walks every choice in plain English, with the 2026 numbers and a calculator that shows exactly what you'll pay.
Secure checkout via Gumroad · Refund window if it's not for you
What's inside
Every Medicare choice, explained — and priced for you.
The guide (PDF)
- The four parts of Medicare, explained simply
- Your enrollment window and the lifelong penalties for missing it
- Original Medicare + Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage — how to choose
- Part D and the 2026 drug-cost redesign ($2,100 out-of-pocket cap)
- IRMAA: the income surcharge based on your tax return from two years ago
- How to manage your income to stay under the brackets
- How to appeal IRMAA after retirement or a life change (Form SSA-44)
- Checklist, phone scripts, a 2026 quick-reference card with the full IRMAA table, and a glossary
The tool (Excel)
A Cost & IRMAA Estimator that shows your real numbers:
- Enter your income to see your exact premiums and surcharge
- Compare Original + Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
- Price out any late-enrollment penalty before it applies
Works in Microsoft Excel, free Google Sheets, or LibreOffice.
Who this is for
- Anyone approaching or turning 65
- People still working past 65 timing their enrollment
- Higher-income retirees blindsided by IRMAA
- Anyone choosing Original + Medigap vs. Advantage
- Adult children helping a parent enroll
What you'll walk away able to do
- Enroll on time and avoid penalties that last a lifetime
- Choose the coverage path that fits your health and budget
- See your IRMAA tier before a big income year triggers it
- Appeal a surcharge when your income drops
- Re-shop your drug plan every year with confidence
Pair it with Social Security and long-term care
The same income that drives your IRMAA also taxes your Social Security and shapes your care plan. Get all three guides and tools with the Retirement Navigator Pass for $299 — instead of $497 separately.
See the Navigator PassQuestions
Before you buy
Is this current?
Yes — fully updated for the 2026 program year, with free updates each year.
Do I need special software?
A PDF reader and Excel (or free Google Sheets / LibreOffice) for the estimator.
Is this insurance advice?
No. It's plain-English education. For plan specifics, use your free SHIP counselor and Medicare.gov.
What if it's not for me?
Reply to your receipt within the refund window and we'll make it right.