Susan ParkEvery fall, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announces the next year’s standard Medicare costs. Below are the official 2026 amounts alongside 2025, so you can see at a glance what went up and by how much.
What these numbers actually mean
Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026). This is the standard monthly premium most people pay for Part B (doctor visits, outpatient care, and durable medical equipment). It rose $17.90 from 2025. Most people have it deducted automatically from their Social Security check.
Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). You pay this once per year before Part B starts covering its share. After that, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services.
Part A is free for most people. About 99% of beneficiaries paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years) of work and pay $0 for Part A. You only owe a Part A premium ($311 or $565/month in 2026) if you worked fewer than 40 quarters.
The Part A hospital deductible ($1,736) is per benefit period — not per year. A benefit period starts the day you’re admitted and ends after you’ve been out of the hospital (or skilled nursing) for 60 days in a row. If you’re hospitalized twice in one year with more than 60 days between stays, you could owe the deductible twice.
Higher earners pay a surcharge (IRMAA). If your modified adjusted gross income is above the annual threshold, you’ll pay more than the standard Part B and Part D premiums. The surcharge is based on your tax return from two years earlier.
Where to get free, unbiased help
Costs are only one piece of the Medicare puzzle, and the right choice depends on your health, budget, and the plans available where you live. For free, one-on-one counseling, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — every state has one — or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
The figures above are the official standard amounts published by CMS for 2025 and 2026 and are updated each fall when the new year’s rates are announced. This page is for general information only and is not insurance, financial, or legal advice. Your actual costs may differ based on your income, plan choices, and coverage.