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. Medicare bases your premium on you and your spouse’s income even if one of you is younger than Medicare age.…