Part B: Medical Insurance
Most beneficiaries pay the standard monthly premium, which is typically deducted directly from Social Security checks.
- Standard Monthly Premium: $202.90 (up from $185.00 in 2025).
- Annual Deductible: $283 (up from $257 in 2025).
- Coinsurance: You generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services after meeting your deductible.
High-Income Surcharges (IRMAA)
If your 2024 Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeded $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (joint), you will pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
| 2024 MAGI (Individual) | 2024 MAGI (Joint) | Total 2026 Monthly Part B Premium |
| ≤ $109,000 | ≤ $218,000 | $202.90 |
| $109,001 – $137,000 | $218,001 – $274,000 | $284.10 |
| $137,001 – $171,000 | $274,001 – $342,000 | $405.80 |
| $171,001 – $205,000 | $342,001 – $410,000 | $527.50 |
| $205,001 – $499,999 | $410,001 – $749,999 | $649.20 |
| ≥ $500,000 | ≥ $750,000 | $689.90 |
Part A: Hospital Insurance
Most people (about 99%) receive Premium-Free Part A because they paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
- Purchased Part A: If you have 30–39 work quarters, you pay $311/month. If you have fewer than 30 quarters, you pay $565/month.
- Inpatient Deductible: $1,736 per benefit period (covers the first 60 days of hospital care).
Part D: Prescription Drugs
Part D premiums vary significantly because they are set by private insurance companies, but the federal government provides average projections.
- Average Standalone Premium: Approximately $34.50/month (a slight decrease from 2025).
- Maximum Deductible: No plan can charge a deductible higher than $615.
- Part D IRMAA: High earners pay an extra monthly surcharge ranging from $14.50 to $91.00 in addition to their plan’s premium.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage costs are plan-specific, but there is a nationwide trend toward lower premiums in 2026.
- Average Monthly Premium: Projected to be approximately $11.50, though many enrollees choose $0 premium plans.
- Mandatory Maximum Out-of-Pocket: The legal limit for in-network medical costs has decreased slightly to $9,250 for 2026.
Important Note: Even if you join a $0 Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue to pay your $202.90 Part B premium unless you qualify for assistance through a Medicare Savings Program.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Fact Sheet, “2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles” (Nov 2025).
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