Medicare Part B Costs 2026
Medicare Part B helps cover medically necessary outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive services, medical equipment, and more. Because like many aspects of health care, its costs change annually, We will discuss the Medicare Part B costs 2026. beneficiaries and future enrollees need to know what’s ahead.
Below, we explore the projected premiums, deductibles, income-based surcharges (IRMAA), and strategies for planning.
What’s Covered by Part B & Basic Costs
Before diving into 2026, here’s a quick recap of how Part B costs typically work:
- You pay a monthly premium for Part B (unless you qualify for assistance).
- You also pay a yearly deductible before Medicare pays (for most services).
- After meeting the deductible, Medicare generally covers 80% of approved costs for covered outpatient services; you’re responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance (unless another plan helps).
- If your income is above certain thresholds, you may pay an extra surcharge (IRMAA).
- Costs can vary based on where you live, your coverage options (like Medigap or Medicare Advantage), and your income.
These rules remain consistent, even as dollar amounts shift over time.
Projected Part B Premium in 2026
According to the Medicare Trustees’ projections and other financial analysts, the standard Part B monthly premium is expected to rise from $185 in 2025 to $206.50 in 2026 an increase of $21.50, or roughly 11.6%.
That jump would be the largest single-year dollar increase in recent years.
It’s crucial to note: this “standard” premium applies to beneficiaries without additional income-based surcharges (i.e. those whose incomes fall under the IRMAA thresholds). Those with higher incomes will pay more.
Expected Part B Deductible in 2026
While the exact deductible for 2026 will not be finalized until closer to year-end 2025, current projections suggest it may rise from $257 in 2025 to $288 in 2026.
That would be a roughly 12% increase in the amount beneficiaries pay out of pocket before Medicare starts covering your outpatient services.
Some Medigap (supplemental) plans cover the deductible; others require you to pay it yourself, so an increase could matter more to those on certain Medigap plans.
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) for 2026
One of the most significant cost levers in Medicare is the IRMAA surcharge: higher-income beneficiaries pay extra on top of the base premium. Here’s what’s projected for 2026:
- The 2026 IRMAA brackets and surcharge amounts are based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your 2024 tax return.
- The income thresholds (for moving among surcharge tiers) are expected to be indexed upward (adjusted for inflation) for 2026.
- The average surcharge increases for Part B are projected to be modest; around 1.04%.
Because of IRMAA, two people in the same city with different incomes might pay very different Part B amounts.
Why Are Costs Rising
Several forces contribute to rising Medicare Part B costs:
- Medical inflation and utilization – Outpatient services, physician-administered drugs, diagnostics, and usage of health services often rise faster than general inflation.
- Aging population / higher demand – As more retirees enter Medicare and health care needs grow, the burden on the system increases.
- Cost shifting – Higher-income beneficiaries absorb more of the cost via IRMAA, but base premiums still have to cover a portion of system-wide costs.
- Policy adjustments & fund dynamics – Adjustments to how much premiums are allowed to cover, budget pressures, and funding decisions all play a role.
- Legislative changes – New laws affecting drug pricing, Medicare rules, and benefit design indirectly affect Part B costs over time.
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What It Means for Beneficiaries
- Budget impact: That extra $21.50 per month may absorb a significant chunk of any Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Indeed, projections show much of retirees’ COLA gains may be eaten by higher health costs.
- Planning ahead: If your income is near an IRMAA threshold, small changes (e.g. capital gains, extra work income, withdrawals) could push you into a higher bracket.
- Review your coverage: Supplemental (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plans may mitigate some out-of-pocket costs. If your Medigap plan covers the Part B deductible, the increase matters more.
- Appeal or exemption: If your income decreases substantially due to life events (e.g. retirement, widowhood), you may be able to appeal IRMAA adjustments.
- Stay informed: Final Medicare pricing is announced in late 2025. Propose your budget accordingly but expect adjustments.
Tips to Manage the Cost Increase
- Estimate your 2024 MAGI now — knowing whether you might cross an IRMAA threshold will help with tax planning or withdrawals.
- Delay or stagger income where possible — if legally and financially feasible, deferring income from 2024 may help you stay lower in the IRMAA tiers.
- Choose the right supplemental plan — some Medigap policies cover the Part B deductible or reduce your coinsurance burden.
- Stay within the initial enrollment windows — avoid late enrollment penalties, which add to cost burdens.
- Appeal IRMAA where applicable — if you experience life-changing events, you may qualify for exceptions.
- Watch your investments and gains — high capital gains or distributions in 2024 could unexpectedly push your MAGI upward.
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Bottom Line
Based on current projections:
- The standard Part B premium in 2026 may reach $206.50 per month, up from $185 in 2025.
- The deductible is expected to rise to about $288.
- Income-based surcharges (IRMAA) may add considerably more for higher earners.
- The increase is sizable and could erode a portion of any Social Security increase.
- Planning ahead; particularly regarding your 2024 income, can help reduce the surprise.