Key Takeaways

• The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026 — up $17.90 from $185 in 2025
• This is a 9.7% increase — the largest single-year dollar jump in several years
• Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA surcharges (income-related monthly adjustment amounts)
• The Part B deductible rose to $257 in 2026 (up from $240 in 2025)
• For most beneficiaries, the premium is automatically deducted from Social Security checks
• The premium increase partially offsets the 2.8% Social Security COLA — netting many retirees about $38 more per month rather than $56

Table of Contents

1. What Is Medicare Part B?
2. 2026 Part B Premium — Standard Amount
3. IRMAA: Higher Premiums for Higher Incomes
4. Part B Deductible and Coinsurance 2026
5. Why Did the Premium Increase So Much?
6. How Part B Premium Is Deducted from Social Security
7. How to Appeal Your IRMAA Surcharge
8. Part A Costs in 2026
9. FAQ

What Is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is the “medical insurance” portion of Original Medicare. It covers:

• Doctor visits and outpatient services
• Preventive care (annual wellness visits, screenings, vaccines)
• Mental health services
• Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
• Outpatient surgery
• Some home health services

Most Americans become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Part B is optional — but virtually all Medicare beneficiaries enroll because the late enrollment penalty is steep (10% added to your premium permanently for every 12-month period you delay after becoming eligible).

Related: SSI vs. SSDI — Health Insurance Differences — SSDI recipients get Medicare after a 24-month waiting period; SSI recipients typically get Medicaid instead.

2026 Part B Premium — Standard Amount

The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90.

This applies to beneficiaries with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of:

• $109,000 or less for individual filers
• $218,000 or less for married couples filing jointly

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), November 2025.

IRMAA: Higher Premiums for Higher Incomes

If your income exceeds the standard threshold, you pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium. IRMAA is based on your tax return from two years prior — so 2026 premiums are based on your 2024 income.

2026 Medicare Part B IRMAA Premium Table

Source: CMS 2026 Medicare Costs announcement.

Note: The income used for IRMAA purposes is your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — AGI plus tax-exempt interest income. Roth IRA conversions, capital gains realizations, and required minimum distributions (RMDs) can all push your MAGI into a higher IRMAA tier unexpectedly.

Part B Deductible and Coinsurance 2026

After paying the monthly premium, you also have out-of-pocket costs when you use Part B services:

• Annual deductible: $257 (you pay this once per calendar year before Medicare pays)
• Coinsurance: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services after meeting the deductible

There is no out-of-pocket maximum for Original Medicare Parts A and B. This is why many beneficiaries purchase Medigap (Medicare Supplement) insurance or Medicare Advantage plans.

Why Did the Premium Increase So Much?

The 9.7% increase is driven by several factors:

• New drug coverage costs: Medicare Part B covers certain high-cost drugs (including some cancer treatments) administered in doctor’s offices. The addition of new expensive drugs to the Part B drug list drove up projected costs.
• Increased utilization: Post-pandemic catch-up in elective procedures and specialist visits has driven higher claims volumes.
• Reserve fund adjustments: CMS builds a contingency reserve into premium calculations. The reserve was partially depleted in recent years.

CMS sets the standard premium annually to cover approximately 25% of projected Part B program costs, with general revenues covering the other 75%.

How Part B Premium Is Deducted from Social Security

If you receive Social Security benefits, your Medicare Part B premium is automatically deducted from your monthly check. You never write a check — it happens before the money hits your bank account.

Net impact for an average Social Security recipient in 2026:

• 2026 COLA increased the average check by +$56/month
• Part B premium increase reduced the check by -$17.90/month
• Net gain: approximately +$38.10/month

If you’re not yet receiving Social Security, CMS will bill you directly for Part B premiums on a quarterly basis.

Hold Harmless Provision

Federal law includes a “hold harmless” provision that prevents the Part B premium increase from reducing your Social Security net payment below the prior year’s amount. This protects low-benefit recipients from having their checks shrink.

However, hold harmless does NOT apply if:

• You are newly enrolled in Part B in 2026
• You were not enrolled in both Medicare and Social Security for the full prior year
• You pay Medicare premiums directly (not deducted from Social Security)
• Your income triggers IRMAA surcharges

How to Appeal Your IRMAA Surcharge

If your income has dropped significantly since your 2024 tax return (the basis for 2026 IRMAA), you can request a Life-Changing Event (LCE) exception. Qualifying events include:

• Marriage or divorce
• Death of a spouse
• Work stoppage or reduction (retirement, layoff)
• Loss of income-producing property
• Reduction in or loss of pension income

To appeal: file Form SSA-44 (Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount — Life-Changing Event) with your local Social Security office. Provide documentation of the income change.

If your IRMAA was assigned based on a tax return error, you can also request a review by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Part A Costs in 2026

Medicare Part A covers hospital stays. Most people pay $0 in Part A premiums if they (or their spouse) worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) and paid Medicare taxes.

FAQ

Can my Medicare Part B premium be lower than $202.90?

No — $202.90 is the minimum for standard enrollees in 2026. However, low-income beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through Medicaid, which can pay the Part B premium on your behalf. If you qualify for SNAP or SSI, you likely also qualify for an MSP. Contact your state Medicaid agency to apply.

Does Medicare Advantage change what I pay for Part B?

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you still pay the standard Part B premium. However, some Advantage plans offer a “Part B premium reduction” benefit that offsets some or all of the $202.90. Shop plans on Medicare.gov during Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7 each year).

When does Medicare Open Enrollment happen?

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is October 15 – December 7 each year, with changes taking effect January 1. This is when you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, change drug plans (Part D), or switch between Advantage plans.

Does SSDI affect Medicare enrollment timing?

If you receive SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of SSDI payments — regardless of age. You don’t need to be 65. See SSI vs. SSDI for details.

Sources

1. CMS. Medicare 2026 Costs Announcement. November 2025.
2. SSA. 2026 COLA Fact Sheet.
3. SSA. What’s New for 2026.
4. AARP. How 2026 Social Security Changes Could Affect You. January 2026.

Related Articles:

• Social Security COLA 2026
• SSI vs. SSDI — Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply
• SNAP Benefits 2026 — Complete Guide
• Best Medicare Supplement Plans 2026

Last verified: March 2026. CMS figures effective January 1, 2026.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. CMS.gov.
2. Social Security Administration. Medicare Premiums: Rules for Higher-Income Beneficiaries. SSA.gov.
3. Medicare.gov. What does Medicare cost?. Medicare.gov.

Source: CMS.gov; SSA.gov. Last verified: March 2026.