The calculators
When to use each calculator
- Part B Penalty Calculator: Use this if you delayed Part B at age 65 (or are considering delaying). It tells you whether you'll face the lifetime 10%-per-year penalty and how much it will cost. Especially relevant if you had COBRA, retiree coverage, or small-employer (under 20 employees) coverage during your delay.
- IRMAA Bracket Calculator: Use this if your household income is above $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint). The calculator shows whether you're paying the standard Part B premium or an IRMAA surcharge, and how close you are to a bracket cliff. Useful for tax-planning years before retirement.
Calculator accuracy
Both calculators use official 2026 figures:
- Standard 2026 Part B premium: $202.90/month
- 2026 IRMAA brackets: based on 2024 MAGI, with thresholds adjusted for 2026 per CMS announcements
- 2026 Part B late enrollment penalty: 10% per full 12-month period delayed, applied to $202.90 standard premium
Results are estimates only — your actual Part B premium and any penalty or IRMAA surcharge is determined by Social Security based on official records (IRS data for IRMAA, enrollment dates for late penalty). The calculators give you a strong estimate but aren't a substitute for the official Social Security determination.
What's not in the calculators (yet)
These calculators focus on the two highest-search-volume Medicare math questions. Other calculators that might help in specific situations:
- Medigap comparison: Plan G vs Plan N premium comparison (depends on your specific carrier quotes).
- Medicare Advantage MOOP exposure: depends on specific plan benefits and your anticipated utilization.
- Part D total cost: depends on your specific medications and plan formulary tier placement.
- Extra Help (LIS) eligibility: a screening tool would help low-income Ohio beneficiaries determine likely qualification.
These calculators are more situation-specific and benefit from working with a licensed Ohio Medicare agent who can pull actual plan data and quote details for your situation.