A traditional IRA distribution can be easy to think of as retirement savings, but Medicare usually sees the taxable amount as income. That income can affect future Part B and Part D premiums through IRMAA.
Short answer: A traditional IRA distribution can increase Medicare MAGI. A qualified Roth IRA withdrawal usually does not, because it is generally not taxable income.
Why a taxable IRA withdrawal can trigger IRMAA
Medicare MAGI generally starts with adjusted gross income and adds tax-exempt interest. If an IRA withdrawal is taxable and included in AGI, it can move the Medicare MAGI number closer to the next IRMAA bracket.
For 2026 Medicare premiums, IRMAA generally looks back to 2024 MAGI. That means a large IRA withdrawal can show up in Medicare premiums two years later.
Use the IRA withdrawal calculator
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Traditional IRA versus Roth IRA withdrawals
A traditional IRA withdrawal is often taxable. A qualified Roth IRA withdrawal is usually not taxable and usually does not raise Medicare MAGI. Roth conversions are different from qualified withdrawals because conversions are commonly taxable.
What to check before taking a larger withdrawal
Estimate the withdrawal together with other income events: RMDs, Roth conversions, capital gains, pensions, taxable Social Security, and tax-exempt interest. The total Medicare MAGI number is what matters for IRMAA.
IRA withdrawal and IRMAA FAQ
- Does an IRA withdrawal count as income for IRMAA?
- A taxable traditional IRA withdrawal generally counts because it is included in adjusted gross income.
- Can one IRA withdrawal raise Medicare premiums?
- Yes, if the withdrawal pushes total Medicare MAGI over an IRMAA threshold for the year Medicare reviews.
- Do Roth IRA withdrawals count for IRMAA?
- Qualified Roth IRA withdrawals usually do not count because they are generally not taxable income. Roth conversions are different.
- Can SSA-44 fix IRMAA after an IRA withdrawal?
- Usually not by itself. SSA-44 is for specific life-changing events, not every voluntary one-time income spike.
Next step: estimate the IRA withdrawal impact, then compare the result with the 2026 IRMAA brackets and the Medicare MAGI guide.