Plain-language definition
IRMAA reconsideration is a review by Social Security of its initial income-related monthly adjustment amount determination. It is available when the beneficiary or another person whose rights may be adversely affected disagrees with that determination.
Agency and jurisdiction
Social Security makes and reconsiders IRMAA determinations under federal rules. Medicare or a private Medicare plan may collect or reflect premium amounts, but a health or drug plan does not decide the IRMAA appeal.
Usual deadline
The request is generally due within 60 days after receipt of the initial determination notice. Social Security normally presumes receipt five days after the notice date unless the person shows later delivery. Good cause may support a late request, but acceptance is not automatic.
How it is requested
Social Security accepts a current electronic non-medical reconsideration request and a written request using Form SSA-561-U2. The official PDF reviewed on August 4, 2026 is marked 08-2025 and discontinues prior editions.
Difference from a new initial determination
A reconsideration challenges the decision. A new initial determination uses specified new or corrected information, such as a qualifying life-changing event, an amended tax return, or documented IRS correction. Federal rules expressly treat the two requests as different processes.
Difference from a Medicare coverage appeal
An IRMAA reconsideration concerns the income-related premium amount. A Medicare coverage appeal concerns whether Medicare or a plan covers or pays for a service, item, or drug. The agencies, forms, deadlines, and review levels differ.
What happens next
Social Security issues a reconsidered determination. If the beneficiary disagrees, the next review is generally an administrative-law-judge hearing through HHS's Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, followed by possible Medicare Appeals Council and federal-court review.
Practical example
Social Security sends an IRMAA notice using a tax filing status that the beneficiary believes it applied incorrectly. The beneficiary requests reconsideration within the stated period, explains the issue, provides supporting records, and keeps proof of filing. If instead IRS had transmitted incorrect tax data, the beneficiary would normally seek IRS correction and a new initial determination.
Official sources
- Social Security — What You Can Do if You Think Your Medicare Income-Related Premium is Incorrect
- Social Security — request reconsideration
- Social Security — Form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration
- Social Security — request a lower IRMAA after a life-changing event or amended return
- eCFR — Medicare Part B IRMAA rules
- Social Security POMS — IRMAA appeals overview
- Social Security — current Form SSA-561-U2 PDF
- Social Security POMS — IRMAA reconsideration notice and premium handling