Medicare Costs 2026
Planning your Medicare budget? Here's what premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs are expected to look like in 2026.
Part A Costs 2026
Most people pay $0 premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. The Part A deductible is $1,736 per benefit period in 2026, covering the first 60 days of a hospital stay. After day 60, coinsurance applies.
Part B Costs 2026
Standard Premium
$202.90
Monthly (MAGI ≤ $109K individual / $218K joint)
Annual Deductible
$283
2026 Part B Deductible
Highest Premium
$689.90
Monthly (MAGI ≥ $500K individual / $750K joint)
2026 Part B Premium Breakdown (IRMAA)
Higher earners pay more through IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). These amounts are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your tax return from 2 years prior (2024 income for 2026 premiums).
| Individual MAGI | Joint MAGI | IRMAA Amount | Total Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 | ≤ $218,000 | $0.00 | $202.90 |
| $109,001 - $137,000 | $218,001 - $274,000 | $81.20 | $284.10 |
| $137,001 - $171,000 | $274,001 - $342,000 | $202.90 | $405.80 |
| $171,001 - $205,000 | $342,001 - $410,000 | $324.60 | $527.50 |
| $205,001 - $499,999 | $410,001 - $749,999 | $446.30 | $649.20 |
| ≥ $500,000 | ≥ $750,000 | $487.00 | $689.90 |
Important Note: IRMAA affects approximately 8% of Medicare beneficiaries. After the deductible, you typically pay 20% coinsurance for most covered services.
Part D Costs 2026
Part D premiums vary by plan, but the national average is expected to be around $55 per month. The maximum annual deductible allowed is $590. After the deductible, you pay copays or coinsurance based on your plan's formulary.
Higher earners also pay IRMAA for Part D, adding $14 to $85 per month depending on income level. The catastrophic coverage threshold in 2026 is expected to be around $8,000 in total drug costs, after which you pay minimal copays.
How to Keep Costs Down
Consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to cover Part B coinsurance, deductibles, and other gaps. Plan G is the most popular option, covering nearly all out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible.
Shop Part D plans annually during AEP (October 15 – December 7). Formularies and costs change every year, so what was cheap last year may not be the best deal in 2026.
If you qualify based on income, apply for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) or Medicare Savings Programs to reduce or eliminate premiums, deductibles, and copays.
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