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Medicare 101

Medicare Costs in 2026: Premiums, Deductibles and IRMAA

In 2026 the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month (up from $185.00) with a $283 deductible, and the Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period.

Christian Brindle of Everything Senior Insurance
MEET CHRISTIANChristian BrindleA personal approach to Medicare.
Written by the Everything Senior Insurance Data Desk, reviewed by Christian Brindle.Last updated

In 2026 the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month (up from $185.00) with a $283 deductible, and the Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. Part D plans can charge up to $615 as a deductible and cap your drug costs at $2,100. Higher-income beneficiaries pay an IRMAA surcharge starting at $109,000 single or $218,000 joint (2024 income). All figures are from the CMS announcement of November 14, 2025.

Part A costs in 2026

Part A (hospital insurance)20252026
Premium with 40+ quarters$0$0
Premium with 30 to 39 quarters$285$311
Premium with fewer than 30 quarters$518$565
Inpatient hospital deductible (per benefit period)$1,676$1,736
Hospital coinsurance, days 61 to 90 (per day)$419$434
Lifetime reserve days, 91+ (per day, 60 days lifetime)$838$868
Skilled nursing facility, days 21 to 100 (per day)$209.50$217

Days 1 to 60 of a hospital stay cost nothing beyond the deductible. A new benefit period, and a new deductible, begins when you have been out of the hospital or skilled nursing facility for 60 days in a row.

Part B costs in 2026

Part B (medical insurance)20252026
Standard monthly premium$185.00$202.90
Annual deductible$257$283
Coinsurance after the deductible20%20% (no yearly cap under Original Medicare)

IRMAA: the income surcharge for 2026

Based on your 2024 tax return. The surcharge is per person.

2024 MAGI, singleMarried filing jointlyPart B total per monthPart D surcharge per month
Up to $109,000Up to $218,000$202.90$0
$109,001 to $137,000$218,001 to $274,000$284.06$14.50
$137,001 to $171,000$274,001 to $342,000$405.80$37.50
$171,001 to $205,000$342,001 to $410,000$527.54$60.40
$205,001 to $500,000$410,001 to $750,000$649.28$83.30
Above $500,000Above $750,000$689.86$91.00

If your income has fallen since 2024 because of retirement, a divorce or the death of a spouse, file form SSA-44 to have the surcharge recalculated. The IRMAA estimator shows your bracket.

Part D costs in 2026

  • National base beneficiary premium: $38.99 (used to calculate the late-enrollment penalty).
  • Maximum plan deductible: $615.
  • Out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs: $2,100; after that you pay $0 for the rest of the year. There is no coverage gap.

How to lower your Medicare costs

  • Medigap covers the 20% coinsurance and the hospital deductible (Plan G covers everything except the $283 Part B deductible).
  • Medicare Advantage sets a yearly maximum out-of-pocket and often has a $0 plan premium.
  • Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help pay the Part B premium and most drug costs for people with limited income.
  • Yearly plan review during October 15 to December 7, which we do for every client at no charge.

Source: CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles.

Good questions

Questions,
answered.

What is the Medicare Part B premium in 2026?

$202.90 per month for most people, up from $185.00 in 2025, with a $283 annual deductible. People with 2024 income above $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint) pay more through IRMAA.

What is the Medicare Part A deductible in 2026?

$1,736 per benefit period, up from $1,676. Daily coinsurance is $434 for hospital days 61 to 90, $868 for lifetime reserve days and $217 for skilled nursing days 21 to 100.

Is there an out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare in 2026?

Not under Original Medicare for medical costs. Part D drug costs are capped at $2,100 in 2026. Medicare Advantage plans set their own medical maximum, and Medigap covers most of what Original Medicare leaves behind.

What is the Part D deductible for 2026?

Plans may charge up to $615; many charge less or none. After the deductible you pay copays by tier until you reach the $2,100 cap.

Why is my Part B premium higher than $202.90?

IRMAA. Social Security adds a surcharge based on your tax return from two years earlier. If your income has dropped since then, file form SSA-44 to appeal.

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