Medicare costs went up in 2026. The standard Part B premium jumped 9.7% to $202.90 per month, the Part A hospital deductible rose to $1,736, and higher earners face steeper IRMAA surcharges than ever before. Whether you are newly enrolling or have been on Medicare for years, knowing the exact numbers helps you budget and find programs that can lower what you pay.
This guide covers every 2026 Medicare cost: Part A, Part B, Part D, Medicare Advantage, IRMAA brackets, and the Medicare Savings Programs that eliminate or reduce costs for lower-income beneficiaries.
2026 Medicare Part A Costs (Hospital Insurance)
Most people who worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) in jobs that paid Medicare taxes get Part A with no monthly premium. If you have 30 to 39 quarters of covered work, the 2026 Part A premium is $311 per month. With fewer than 30 quarters, the full 2026 premium is $565 per month.
According to CMS, the 2026 Part A costs are:
| Cost Type | 2026 Amount |
|---|
| Monthly premium (40+ quarters) | $0 |
| Monthly premium (30-39 quarters) | $311 |
| Monthly premium (under 30 quarters) | $565 |
| Inpatient hospital deductible (per benefit period) | $1,736 |
| Coinsurance, days 1-60 | $0 per day |
| Coinsurance, days 61-90 | $434 per day |
| Coinsurance, lifetime reserve days | $868 per day |
| Skilled nursing facility (days 21-100) | $217 per day |
The Part A deductible applies per benefit period, not per year. A benefit period begins the day you are admitted to a hospital and ends after you have been out of the hospital (and any skilled nursing facility) for 60 consecutive days. You could technically face this deductible more than once in a calendar year.
2026 Medicare Part B Costs (Medical Insurance)
Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month, up $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025. CMS attributes the increase to projected price changes and higher utilization trends.
| Cost Type | 2026 Amount |
|---|
| Standard monthly premium | $202.90 |
| Annual deductible | $283 |
| Coinsurance after deductible | 20% of Medicare-approved amount |
After you pay the $283 annual deductible, you generally pay 20% of covered services and Medicare pays 80%. There is no cap on this 20% unless you have supplemental coverage (Medigap or employer retiree insurance).
2026 IRMAA: Higher-Income Medicare Costs
If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds certain thresholds, you pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium. The 2026 IRMAA determination uses your 2024 tax return (two-year lookback).
2026 Part B IRMAA Brackets
| 2024 MAGI (Single Filer) | 2024 MAGI (Joint Filer) | 2026 Monthly Part B Premium |
|---|
| Up to $109,000 | Up to $218,000 | $202.90 |
| $109,001 to $137,000 | $218,001 to $274,000 | $284.10 |
| $137,001 to $171,000 | $274,001 to $342,000 | $405.80 |
| $171,001 to $205,000 | $342,001 to $410,000 | $527.50 |
| $205,001 to $499,999 | $410,001 to $749,999 | $649.20 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $689.90 |
Married filing separately faces a harsher bracket: income below $109,000 pays $202.90, income from $109,001 to $390,999 pays $649.20, and $391,000 or more pays $689.90.
Crossing a bracket threshold by even $1 triggers the full surcharge for that tier. If you had a one-time income event in 2024 (such as a Roth conversion or business sale) that pushed you into a higher bracket, you can request a review using SSA Form SSA-44 if your income has since dropped.
2026 Part D IRMAA Brackets
| 2024 MAGI (Single Filer) | 2024 MAGI (Joint Filer) | 2026 Monthly Part D Surcharge |
|---|
| Up to $109,000 | Up to $218,000 | $0 |
| $109,001 to $137,000 | $218,001 to $274,000 | $14.50 |
| $137,001 to $171,000 | $274,001 to $342,000 | $37.50 |
| $171,001 to $205,000 | $342,001 to $410,000 | $60.30 |
| $205,001 to $499,999 | $410,001 to $749,999 | $83.20 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $91.00 |
The Part D surcharge is added on top of your plan's own monthly premium. The national average Part D plan premium for 2026 is approximately $34.50 per month, according to CMS.
2026 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Costs
Part D is sold through private insurers but must follow CMS rules. Costs vary by plan. Key 2026 changes:
- The out-of-pocket cap introduced under the Inflation Reduction Act is $2,000 in 2026. Once you spend $2,000 on covered drugs in a calendar year, your plan pays 100% for the rest of the year.
- The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P) lets you spread out-of-pocket drug costs over 12 monthly payments instead of paying a lump sum at the pharmacy.
The $2,000 cap is a major improvement over prior years. Before 2024, there was no true out-of-pocket cap for Part D.
2026 Medicare Advantage (Part C) Costs
Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare through private insurers. Costs differ by plan, carrier, and county. The average 2026 Medicare Advantage premium is around $17 per month for plans with drug coverage, though many plans still have $0 premiums in certain areas. You still pay the Part B premium ($202.90) regardless of which Advantage plan you choose.
Advantage plans have their own deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. For 2026, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Advantage plans is $9,350 for in-network services and $14,000 for combined in-network and out-of-network services.
2026 Medicare Savings Programs: Help With Costs
The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-administered programs (funded jointly with Medicaid) that pay some or all of your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. There are four levels, each with different income cutoffs.
As of 2026, the income limits for the 48 contiguous states and DC are:
| Program | Covers | Monthly Income Limit (Individual) | Monthly Income Limit (Couple) |
|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance | $1,350 | $1,824 |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | Part B premium only | $1,616 | $2,184 |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | Part B premium (partial) | $1,816 | $2,455 |
| QDWI (Qualified Disabled Working Individual) | Part A premium only | $4,615 | $6,239 |
Source: SSA Program Operations Manual System
Income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Individual states can also set higher limits. Asset limits in 2026 are $9,660 for individuals and $14,470 for couples for QMB, with slightly higher limits for SLMB and QI.
If you qualify for QMB, providers are prohibited from billing you for Medicare cost-sharing. That means no copays, no deductibles, and no coinsurance on Medicare-covered services.
Enrolling in QMB or SLMB also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help, which reduces Part D drug costs. See medicare.gov for current program details.
How to Apply for Medicare and Cost-Help Programs
Enrollment Periods for Medicare in 2026
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month (3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after).
- General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 through March 31 each year, for those who missed their IEP. Coverage begins July 1.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Available if you delayed enrollment due to employer coverage, a qualifying life event, or other circumstances.
- Medicare Advantage and Part D Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1.
Steps to Enroll in Medicare
- Visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to enroll online or set up an appointment. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits at 65, you are typically enrolled automatically.
- Enroll during your IEP to avoid late enrollment penalties. Part B carries a 10% premium surcharge for each 12-month period you delayed without creditable coverage.
- Compare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans at medicare.gov/plan-compare using your zip code and list of prescriptions.
- Apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state Medicaid office. You can start at medicare.gov and find your state's contact information.
- Apply for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) at SSA.gov if you have limited income and resources. Extra Help is available year-round and can significantly reduce Part D drug costs.
- Review your coverage annually during AEP. Premiums, formularies, and network providers change every year.
Documents You Will Need
- Social Security number
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
- Most recent federal tax return (for IRMAA disputes or Savings Program applications)
- Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pay stubs, pension statements)
- Proof of assets if applying for MSPs (bank statements, investment account statements)
- List of current prescriptions and pharmacy for Part D comparison
Common Reasons Applications Get Delayed or Denied
- Applying outside the enrollment window without a qualifying special enrollment period
- Income or assets above the Medicare Savings Program limits
- Not providing proof of creditable prior coverage when claiming a late enrollment exemption
- Mismatched name or Social Security number on the application
- Missing or incomplete documentation for IRMAA reconsideration
How 2026 Compares to 2025
| Cost | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|
| Part B standard premium | $185.00/month | $202.90/month | +$17.90 |
| Part B annual deductible | $257 | $283 | +$26 |
| Part A hospital deductible | $1,676 | $1,736 | +$60 |
| Part A premium (30-39 quarters) | $285/month | $311/month | +$26 |
| Part A premium (under 30 quarters) | $518/month | $565/month | +$47 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,000 | $2,000 | No change |
The 9.7% Part B premium jump is the largest single-year increase since 2022. CMS has linked it to increased utilization projections and the continued expansion of high-cost drugs covered under Part B (administered in clinical settings).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare Part B premium in 2026?
The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 per month. Beneficiaries with 2024 MAGI above $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint) pay more through IRMAA surcharges, with 2026 Part B premiums ranging up to $689.90 per month at the highest income tier.
What is the Medicare Part A deductible in 2026?
The 2026 Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. This is not an annual deductible. You can owe it multiple times in one year if you have separate hospital stays separated by more than 60 days.
Does Medicare have an out-of-pocket maximum in 2026?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) has no out-of-pocket maximum. Medicare Advantage plans must cap out-of-pocket costs at $9,350 for in-network services in 2026. Part D drug costs are capped at $2,000 in 2026.
Who qualifies for free Medicare Part A in 2026?
You qualify for premium-free Part A in 2026 if you or your spouse worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) in Medicare-covered employment. Most people who are 65 or older and receiving Social Security get Part A for free automatically.
How do I avoid the Medicare late enrollment penalty in 2026?
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday). If you have employer coverage through an active job, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends, which lets you avoid the penalty. Retiree coverage, COBRA, and marketplace plans do not count as creditable coverage for purposes of delaying Part B.
What is the Medicare Savings Program and who qualifies in 2026?
The Medicare Savings Program is a group of state Medicaid programs that help pay Medicare costs for people with limited income. The lowest tier (QMB) eliminates all Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays for individuals earning up to about $1,350 per month in 2026. Apply through your state Medicaid office.
How much is the Medicare Part D cap in 2026?
The Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,000 in 2026. After you spend $2,000 on covered prescription drugs, your plan covers 100% for the remainder of the year with no additional cost-sharing.
Can I get help paying Medicare costs if my income is low?
Yes. The Medicare Savings Programs cover Part B premiums and other costs for individuals earning up to about $1,816 per month in 2026. Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) is also available to reduce Part D drug costs. Use the CoveredUSA screener to see which programs you qualify for based on your specific income and household size.
Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA. It takes 2 minutes.
See if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs or other coverage at CoveredUSA
