Do wealthy pay more for Medicare?

Yes, wealthier individuals pay higher Medicare premiums for Part B (medical) and Part D (prescription drugs) through an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which adds surcharges based on higher Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from tax returns filed two years prior, with the highest earners paying significantly more than the standard premium.

How much do rich people pay for Medicare?

If we determine you're a higher-income beneficiary, you'll pay a larger percentage of the total cost of Part B based on the income you normally report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You'll pay monthly Part B premiums equal to 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or 85% of the total cost, depending on what you report to the IRS.

What income level pays more for Medicare?

Medicare costs more (higher premiums) at higher incomes, starting with a surcharge for individuals with a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) over $109,000 and couples over $218,000 for the year 2026, based on 2024 tax returns; this applies to Part B (medical) and Part D (prescription drug) and increases in tiered brackets for higher earners, with the highest surcharges for incomes over $500,000 (individual) or $750,000 (couple).
 

What does Dave Ramsey say about Medicare?

Dave Ramsey's Medicare advice centers on planning ahead, understanding enrollment periods to avoid penalties, using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if possible, and supplementing Original Medicare with Medigap or Medicare Advantage (Part C) to cover gaps like dental, vision, and long-term care, stressing that mistakes can be costly and recommending expert advice for personalized choices. 

How do I avoid paying higher Medicare premiums?

To avoid Medicare surcharges (IRMAA), you must lower your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) by making strategic financial moves like maxing out tax-deferred retirement accounts, taking qualified charitable distributions, reducing capital gains, delaying Social Security, or appealing the surcharge after a life-changing event (like retirement). The key is to manage your income two years prior to Medicare enrollment to stay below the income thresholds that trigger these extra premiums for Parts B & D. 

The Rich Must Pay More for Medicare Part D

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

At what income do you pay extra Medicare?

Medicare costs, specifically for Part B (medical) and Part D (prescription drug) premiums, increase at specific income levels, starting for individuals above $109,000 and married couples above $218,000 in 2026, based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your 2024 tax return; these higher costs, known as IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), rise in brackets with higher income, with the highest costs for those earning $500,000+ (single) or $750,000+ (married). 

What does Suze Orman say about collecting social security?

She said: "Don't settle for a reduced Social Security benefit. If you are in good health, the best financial move you can make is to not claim Social Security before you reach your full retirement age." Instead of claiming at a younger age, Orman actually recommends waiting until 70.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

Full coverage isn't worth it when your car's low value (e.g., less than 10x annual premium) doesn't justify the cost, you have savings to cover repairs/replacement, the vehicle is paid off, or you can't afford a high deductible, especially if the car is older and the payout won't cover much after deductible. It becomes a bad deal when the cost of premiums outweighs the actual cash value (ACV) of your car and your financial ability to self-insure for damages. 

What does Warren Buffett say about social security?

Warren Buffett's core message on Social Security is that cutting benefits is a major mistake, as a rich country must care for its elderly, but he acknowledges the system's financial challenges and suggests solutions like raising the taxable income cap for Social Security taxes, slightly increasing the payroll tax, and gradually raising the retirement age, urging Congress to act before trust fund insolvency forces drastic cuts. He sees Social Security as a vital, successful government program that needs responsible adjustments, not benefit reductions. 

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).

What is the 80 20 rule for Medicare?

The "Medicare 80/20 Rule" refers to two different concepts: the Affordable Care Act's Medical Loss Ratio (MLR), requiring most health insurers to spend 80% of premiums on care, and a new CMS rule for Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) demanding 80% of Medicaid payments go to direct caregiver wages, aiming to improve workforce pay and stability. Separately, Original Medicare Part B often pays 80% of approved costs for outpatient services, with the beneficiary paying the 20% coinsurance. 

What income triggers higher Medicare premiums?

Higher incomes trigger higher Medicare premiums for Parts B (medical insurance) and D (prescription drugs) through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), starting at $109,000 for single filers and $218,000 for married couples (based on 2024 income for 2026 premiums) and increasing in brackets, using your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior. Higher income leads to surcharges added to your standard premiums, with higher brackets paying significantly more.
 

Do you get Medicare if you're rich?

Medicare isn't free.

Wealthy individuals must pay premiums based on income: the higher the income, the higher the Medicare premium. Even though the wealthy individual may not have a regular income, return on investments and income reporting on tax returns are considered in Medicare premium calculation.

What are the 5 things Medicare won't cover?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn't cover most dental, vision (like glasses/contacts), hearing aids, routine foot care, and long-term custodial care, plus many alternative therapies, cosmetic surgeries, and prescription drugs (without Part D). You'll need supplemental plans (like Medigap or Part C) or separate insurance for these common needs. 

When should you stop paying for full coverage?

If you could pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle out of pocket, paying for the extra coverage may not be worth it. You wouldn't repair your vehicle. If you wouldn't repair your vehicle even if it was damaged, maintaining comprehensive and collision may not make sense.

Does Dave Ramsey recommend full coverage car insurance?

Collision coverage protects against vehicle damage that occurs during multi-vehicle accidents. Comprehensive coverage protects against vehicle damage occurring during other incidents. Dave usually recommends full coverage for car insurance, which includes both comprehensive coverage and collision coverage.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Doubling your deductible to $1,000 could save you up to 40 percent. For example, on average, a $500 deductible costs $125/month, or $1,500/year, in premiums. The average for a $1,000 deductible is about $110/month, or $1,337/year.

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

How many people have $1,000,000 in retirement savings?

Data from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, shows that only 4.7% of Americans have at least $1 million saved in retirement-specific accounts such as 401ks and IRAs. Just 1.8% have $2 million, and only 0.8% have saved $3 million or more.

What does Dave Ramsey say about taking Social Security?

Dave Ramsey cautions on Social Security dependence

But Ramsey said, "These 35% of folks are going to learn the hard way that what they don't know can and definitely will hurt them when they retire." Ramsey insists that relying too heavily on Social Security for retirement income is a dangerous move.

How much will Medicare premiums cost in 2025?

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $257 in 2025, an increase of $17 from the annual deductible of $240 in 2024.

What is the new standard deduction for seniors over 65?

The new tax deduction for seniors 65 and older allows you to reduce your taxable income by up to $6,000. Taking the new senior deduction can mean less tax or potentially an even bigger tax refund when you file your return.

What is the maximum monthly income to qualify for Medicare?

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB)

This program helps to pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and copayments. It also helps to pay deductibles and coinsurance for both Part A and Part B. A single person can qualify for the program in 2025 with an income up to $1,325 per month.