How Much Does Part B Medicare Cost Per Month in 2026?
Standard Part B Premium for 2026
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2026 is $202.90. This represents a $17.90 (9.7%) increase over the 2025 standard premium of $185.00. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced this increase as part of their annual update to account for inflation and shifts in healthcare spending. Notably, the standard premium could have been $11 higher if not for administrative changes aimed at curbing spending on certain medical supplies, such as skin substitutes, which will see costs drop by up to 90% under the revised 2026 Physician Fee Schedule.
Eligibility for the Standard Premium: The base premium applies to individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) at or below $109,000 (single filers or married filing separately), or $218,000 for married couples filing jointly. If you fall within these income brackets, you will pay the standard $202.90 monthly premium for Part B coverage.
For those interested in how Medicare covers other health needs, such as vision, we provide an in-depth look in our article on Medicare eyeglasses coverage.
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) Explained
An Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is a surcharge to your monthly Medicare Part B premium, triggered if your income exceeds certain thresholds. In 2026, IRMAA is determined based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) as reported on your 2024 federal tax return. If your income is above:
- $109,000 for single filers or those married filing separately, or
- $218,000 for married couples filing jointly
you will pay a higher premium due to IRMAA. These brackets increased by roughly 3% compared to 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation and wage growth. IRMAA also affects beneficiaries’ prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D), prompting surcharges for higher-income households. For detailed information about prescription drug costs, see our complete guide on Medicare Part D.
The SSA will notify you if you owe IRMAA, utilizing IRS data from your 2024 tax return to make this determination. If you have experienced a significant life event (such as retirement, marriage, or divorce) that has resulted in a lower income, you can request that Social Security re-evaluate your IRMAA liability.
Examples of IRMAA in Practice
- A single retiree with a 2024 MAGI of $120,000 will owe IRMAA and pay more than the standard Part B premium in 2026.
- A couple filing jointly with MAGI of $225,000 will also be subject to IRMAA, whereas those earning exactly $218,000 or less will pay the standard premium.
To learn more about how spousal income and other eligibility rules may impact your Medicare costs, you can read about spouse Medicare benefits.
2026 IRMAA Premium Table by Filing Status
The following table outlines the income brackets (based on 2024 MAGI) and the corresponding 2026 IRMAA-adjusted premium for Medicare Part B:
| Individual MAGI | Joint MAGI | Married Filing Separately | 2026 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 | ≤ $218,000 | ≤ $109,000 | $202.90 |
| > $109,000 to ≤ $137,000 | > $218,000 to ≤ $274,000 | > $109,000 to ≤ $137,000 | $284.10 |
| > $137,000 to ≤ $171,000 | > $274,000 to ≤ $342,000 | > $171,000 to ≤ $205,000 | $405.80 |
| > $171,000 to ≤ $205,000 | > $342,000 to ≤ $410,000 | > $205,000 to ≤ $500,000 | $527.50 |
| > $205,000 | > $410,000 | > $500,000 | $689.90 |
The IRMAA surcharges in 2026 will range from $81.20 to $487.00 per month. Including the surcharge, total Part B premiums range from $284.10 to $689.90 depending on your income. These adjustments help ensure Medicare remains fiscally strong, while distributing more of the costs to higher-income beneficiaries.
If you’re concerned about how your income could impact your Medicare out of pocket costs in 2026, reviewing the official CMS IRMAA notice or consulting with a Medicare advisor can provide current and personalized guidance. More resources on coverage and enrollment-especially if you are approaching Medicare age-are available at our page How Do I Learn About Medicare Coverage and Enrollment?
How Social Security Handles Medicare Premiums
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for calculating and deducting your Medicare Part B premiums, including any IRMAA surcharges. Your IRMAA liability for 2026 is determined using your tax return from 2024, as that’s the most recent data available when the SSA runs its analysis during the fourth quarter of 2025.
For beneficiaries already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board payments, Medicare Part B premiums are usually deducted automatically from monthly benefit payments. If you’re not receiving Social Security, or if you have deferred claiming benefits, the SSA will bill you directly for your Medicare premiums and related surcharges. You will receive a premium notice by mail, which includes payment instructions as well as information about requesting a reconsideration if your income has changed due to life events.
For questions about Social Security deductions or disputes about your premium notice, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). This system ensures efficient and transparent handling of monthly premium payments. To learn more about Medicare’s coverage of various health services-such as Medicare coverage for physical therapy visits-visit more of our specialized resources.
Other 2026 Part B Costs: Deductible and Coinsurance
In addition to monthly premiums, Medicare Part B includes out-of-pocket costs that beneficiaries must be aware of:
- Annual Deductible: The annual deductible for Part B rises to $283 in 2026, up from $257 in 2025. You must pay this amount each calendar year before Original Medicare begins to pay its share for covered healthcare services.
- Part B Coinsurance: After meeting your deductible, you typically pay 20% coinsurance on the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. This coinsurance cost structure encourages judicious use of medical services and ensures shared responsibility for care.
- Prescription Drug (Part D) Surcharges: High-income beneficiaries may also owe an IRMAA surcharge for Medicare Part D drug coverage, ranging from $14.50 to $91.00 per month, depending on their income bracket. For an overview of prescription coverage, see the Medicare Part D resource.
Understanding these elements is key for budgeting and planning your healthcare expenses in retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2026 Medicare Part B Premiums
- What is the Medicare Part B premium for 2026?
For most beneficiaries, the standard monthly premium is $202.90 in 2026. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay more due to IRMAA. - How does IRMAA affect my Medicare costs?
If your income is above the relevant threshold, your monthly premium increases based on a sliding scale. For example, an individual with a MAGI over $205,000 will pay $689.90 per month. Specific IRMAA brackets determine the exact surcharge; refer to the premium table above to see where you fit. - When will I be notified of my IRMAA status?
Social Security notifies beneficiaries in the fourth quarter of the year prior to the coverage year (late 2025 for 2026), using your most recent IRS data-which is typically for the 2024 tax year. - Can I appeal my IRMAA determination?
Yes. If your income has dropped due to a qualifying life-changing event (such as retirement or spousal loss), you can appeal your IRMAA by contacting Social Security and providing documentation. - What is the Medicare Part B deductible for 2026?
The annual deductible is $283 for 2026. - How is the Medicare Part B premium paid?
If you receive Social Security, your premium is deducted from your monthly benefit. If not, you are billed directly by Social Security. - Does my spouse’s income affect my IRMAA status?
Yes, if you file jointly, your combined MAGI is used. For further details see our overview of spouse Medicare benefits. - Where can I learn about overall Medicare enrollment and what is covered?
Visit How Do I Learn About Medicare Coverage and Enrollment? for comprehensive enrollment steps and coverage information. - Are there any cost differences for physical therapy or vision services?
Medicare covers physical therapy (learn more about 2025 changes here) and vision limitations are discussed in our eyeglasses coverage resource.
