Dear Toni: My wife, Joyce, who is not yet 65, was released from her job in February, and our joint income has changed because she is no longer earning $230,000 per year. My Social Security check for 2026 is $4,000 monthly. I began taking my required minimum distributions (RMDs) from my 401(k) when I turned 73 in October.

For 2026, Medicare used our joint income of $278,000 to charge me a monthly Medicare premium of $443.30, which is $405.80 for Part B and $37.50 for Part D.

How do I advise Medicare that my income level has changed. Also, when I began taking my RMDs, is this amount added to the total yearly income for my Medicare premium? — Gerald, Lubbock, Texas

Dear Gerald: Yes, taking your RMDs can raise your Medicare Part B and D premiums. Many Americans do not realize that any increase in your modified adjusted gross income when you are filing jointly can increase your premiums.…