- Medicare Diagnostic Quiz

Medicare Penalty & IRMAA Exposure Diagnostic

Book Reader Bonus Access: Answer 7 quick diagnostic questions to calculate your risk level and instantly unlock your 4 Free Interactive Bonuses.

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100% confidential and anonymous

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Takes exactly 2 minutes (7 quick questions)

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Includes a private stage-specific action plan

Stage 1

The Penalty Exposure Zone (Critical Risk)

0–24 points

Stage 2

The Vulnerable Transitioner (Moderate Exposure)

25–49 points

Stage 3

The Protected Retiree (Low Risk)

50–70 points

Your answers place you in one of these three stages. Nobody sees your result but you.

1 / 7

[Appeals & Life-Changing Events] If your retirement income drops significantly compared to two years ago, have you filed for an income adjustment?

Yes, I understand the 8 qualifying "Life-Changing Events" (marriage, divorce, work reduction, loss of pension) and how to file Form SSA-44 with documentation.

I experienced a major drop in income due to retirement, but assumed Medicare adjusts surcharges automatically.

I had no idea you could legally appeal an IRMAA surcharge and have paid higher monthly premiums without challenging them.

2 / 7

[Creditable Drug Coverage] Do you have written annual proof of “Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage” for Part D?

Yes, I receive an official annual Notice of Creditable Coverage from my plan administrator and retain it for my records.

I have health insurance that includes prescription benefits, but I have never verified if it meets Medicare's minimum actuarial standard.

I currently do not take prescription drugs, so I decided to skip Part D coverage entirely to save monthly premium costs.

3 / 7

[Employer Size Exemption] If you deferred Medicare past 65 based on current employment, how many employees work at that company?

20 or more employees (or I am already fully enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B).

I work for a company with roughly 15 to 25 employees and haven't verified if Medicare or my employer plan pays primary.

Under 20 employees, COBRA, or retiree health benefits (where Medicare is legally primary, making delay subject to permanent penalties).

4 / 7

[Part B Enrollment Window] How do you plan to handle your initial Medicare enrollment relative to your 65th birthday?

I have enrolled (or will enroll) during my 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, or I qualify for a valid Special Enrollment Period via active employer group coverage.

I am still working, but I am not entirely sure whether my employer’s health plan is classified as "creditable" by Medicare rules.

I delayed enrollment past age 65 without qualifying group health insurance from active employment.

5 / 7

[IRMAA 2-Year Tax Lookback] What was your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) on your federal tax return two years ago?

Well below the federal IRMAA thresholds ($103,000 for single filers / $206,000 for married couples filing jointly), with no unexpected income spikes.

Close to the threshold, but I haven't tracked how capital gains, property sales, or Roth conversions might push me over.

Above the threshold, or I experienced a one-time capital gain, business sale, or lump-sum payout without filing a Form SSA-44 appeal.

6 / 7

[HSA Contribution Conflict] If you or your spouse are enrolled in Medicare, are you still contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

No. All HSA contributions ceased at least six months prior to applying for Medicare Part A/B to avoid retroactive tax penalties.

I am still contributing to an HSA because I have a High Deductible Health Plan, but I haven't checked my Medicare Part A effective date.

I actively contribute pre-tax dollars to an HSA while currently enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B.

7 / 7

[Social Security Surcharge Offset] How are your Medicare Part B and Part D monthly premiums deducted?

Automatically deducted from my monthly Social Security benefit check, and I track annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) against premium rises.

Billed quarterly via Medicare Easy Pay or direct invoice, but I do not monitor surcharge adjustments.

I have not planned for how rising Part B premiums and IRMAA surcharges will directly reduce my net Social Security income.