With hopes for April 4, 2027 · tracking milestones from 62 through 70
✦ ✧ ★ ✧ ✦
Semi-retirement · the main event
Age 62
This is the one — when work becomes optional and the next chapter opens.
April 4, 2027
—
days to go
Est. monthly benefit: $—
Milestone 2
Age 65
April 4, 2030
—
days to go
Est. monthly benefit: $—
Milestone 3
Age 67
April 4, 2032
—
days to go
Est. monthly benefit: $—
Milestone 4
Age 70
April 4, 2035
—
days to go
Est. monthly benefit: $—
SSA statement (Mar 13, 2026): Full retirement age 67. Medicare eligibility begins at 65.
Advisor Notes (Detailed)
Original Medicare: Part A (hospital) is generally premium-free after enough payroll-tax quarters; Part B has a monthly premium and deductible; Part D adds prescription coverage premium.
Part A + Part B do not cover everything (common gaps include dental, vision, hearing, and most long-term care exposure).
Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles A/B and usually D through private plans; networks, prior authorization rules, and out-of-pocket structures vary by carrier and county.
Medigap is optional supplemental insurance with Original Medicare that can reduce deductibles/coinsurance exposure; separate policy/premium and usually paired with standalone Part D.
Planning lens from your coaching notes: compare total annual spend (premium + expected utilization + provider access tradeoffs), not just headline monthly premium.
Income Levels, IRMAA 2-Year Rule, and Timing
IRMAA uses a 2-year lookback: Medicare premiums for year N are typically based on MAGI from N-2 tax year.
To stay out of IRMAA in 2026, threshold is MAGI at or below $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (married filing jointly) on 2024 return.
If income drops due to a qualifying life-changing event (including work stoppage/reduction), request a redetermination with SSA-44 and supporting evidence.
For your age-65 year (2030), the first IRMAA-sensitive year generally points back to 2028 MAGI; this is why card notes call out a "by when" year for reducing MAGI.
Premium Calculator (2026 baseline, per person)
Uses CMS 2026 values: Part B standard $202.90/mo, Part B deductible $283/yr, plus IRMAA surcharges by bracket. Part D IRMAA is added separately.