In the old days this IRMAA threshold number was not adjusted for inflation. It started at adjusted AGI of 170,000 for married filing jointly.
The increased Part B and D surcharges started 2 tax years after this threshold was reached. I think the published IRMAA for joint incomes of $172,000 started with 2018 returns, with the increase beginning in 2020. For 2019 returns I think it is $174,000 with the increase in premiums starting in 2021. Projected number for 2020 returns is $176,000 for the increase in premiums starting in 2022. Many seniors can avoid these surcharges in 2022 based on 2020 adjusted AGI because RMD's are not required in 2020.
My take is that if the joint adjusted income in 2019 is under $174,000, there would be no surcharge in 2022.
If possible keep the adjusted AGI under $174,000 in in 2020 to do the same as we do not yet know for sure if the IRMAA will be increased to $176,000.
Am I on the right track?
As a recent article pointed out, a $1 increase in adjusted AGI can result in significantly higher Part B and Part D premiums.
If Congress had any brains, there would be a phase out. But that is asking too much.