Mastering Medicare in 2026 - Clarkston

How Your Income Impacts Medicare Premiums—And What You Can Do About It

Many retirees are surprised to learn that their Medicare premiums are directly tied to their income—and that even small financial decisions can trigger thousands in additional costs through IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount).

In this 1-hour session, you’ll go beyond the basics of Medicare and learn how tax strategies and retirement income decisions can influence what you pay—helping you make more informed, coordinated choices.

Is this event for you?

If you’re age 60–65 — or already on Medicare — and are concerned your income could increase Medicare premiums due to IRMAA, are unsure how COBRA coordinates with coverage, or don’t yet have a healthcare strategy aligned with your retirement plan...

This event is for you.

Delivering Education To Over 30,000 Every Week

Topics To Be Covered:

Medicare Essentials 101

Clear breakdown of Medicare parts A,B,C,D and how they fit together with Medigap
How to avoid life long penalties by enrolling at the right time.
What are the rules if currently covered under an employer or spouses employer
The real cost of Medicare - Premiums, Deductibles, Co-pays, and gaps no one tells you about.

What Is IRMAA—and Why It Could Cost You Thousands

How Medicare Part B and D premiums increase with income
Why IRMAA can cost retirees thousands in unexpected surcharges
Who is most at risk—and how to spot it early

How Your Tax Return Impacts Medicare Costs

What counts toward your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)
How tax-free income and investments raise your Medicare costs
Best practices to avoid triggering a rising Medicare cost due to IRMAA

The Hidden Cost of RMDs, Dividends & Roth Conversions

Why even smart financial moves can trigger IRMAA
The impact of Req. Minimum Distributions (RMDs) on Medicare costs
How timing Roth conversions and investments affects IRMAA

Delivering Education To Over 30,000 Every Week

Event Details

Venue: Clarkston District Library
Address: 6495 Clarkston Rd, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346
Date: Thursday, June 11th
Time: 10:30 am or 2:30 pm

Reserve Your Spot

Is this event for you?

This event is for you.

Attendees Have The Option To Receive A No Cost Healthcare Analysis.

Take the guesswork out of your retirement. Claim a personalized analysis that evaluates how Medicare cost fits in your retirement plan—forecasts your budget needs, taxes, income streams, so you can better understand what to expect in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IRMAA—and how could it affect my Medicare premiums?

IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is an additional cost added to your Medicare premiums if your income exceeds certain thresholds. Many people are surprised to learn their retirement income—especially from IRAs or 401(k)s—can increase what they pay, sometimes significantly.

Can I reduce or avoid IRMAA?

Yes—there are tax-smart strategies, such as Roth conversions, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and income timing, that can help reduce or even avoid IRMAA. When used correctly, these strategies can improve how your income is reported and help protect more of your retirement income from unnecessary costs—which is where having a coordinated plan becomes essential.

What is COBRA—and how does it work with Medicare?

COBRA allows you to continue employer-sponsored health coverage after leaving a job—but it doesn’t always coordinate with Medicare the way people expect. In some cases, relying on COBRA too long can lead to gaps in coverage or unexpected penalties.

Will I face lifetime penalties if I miss my Medicare enrollment window?

Possibly. Missing key enrollment deadlines can result in permanent penalties added to your Medicare premiums, along with potential delays in coverage. Understanding your timing is critical to avoid unnecessary, long-term costs.

Why is Medicare so confusing?

Medicare involves multiple parts, enrollment periods, income rules, and coordination with other coverage—all of which can impact your costs and benefits. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to make decisions that seem small now but have long-term financial consequences.

Meet Your Presenters

Mike Coliton

Managing Director, Quest Care

Experience: 35 Years

Licenses: Health and Life Insurance

Chris Williams

Sales Manager, Quest Care

Experience: 5 Years

Licenses: Health and Life Insurance

30 Seats Available

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