Medicare Part B Premium 2026: Cost, Payment Methods, and Increases
Medicare Part B Premium 2026: Cost, Payment Methods, and Increases
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month — up $17.90 from the 2025 rate of $185.00. The annual Part B deductible also increased to $283.00 (from $257.00 in 2025).
These are the baseline numbers. Depending on your income, you could pay significantly more.
2026 Part B Costs at a Glance
| Cost component | 2026 amount | 2025 amount | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard monthly premium | $202.90 | $185.00 | +$17.90 |
| Annual deductible | $283.00 | $257.00 | +$26.00 |
| Coinsurance after deductible | 20% | 20% | No change |
After meeting the $283 deductible, Part B covers 80% of approved charges. You pay the remaining 20% — which is why most people pair Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement or choose Medicare Advantage instead.
How to Pay Your Part B Premium
If you receive Social Security benefits: The premium is automatically deducted from your monthly Social Security check. No action required.
If you don't receive Social Security yet: SSA mails you a quarterly bill (Form CMS-500). You can pay by:
- Medicare Easy Pay — automatic deduction from your bank account (set up at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE)
- Online bill pay through your bank
- Check or money order mailed with the payment coupon
- Credit card or debit card by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
If you have a Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) pension: Premium is deducted from your RRB annuity.
Medicare Easy Pay is the safest option because it eliminates the risk of a missed payment causing a coverage lapse.
Why Did the Premium Go Up?
Part B premiums are recalculated annually based on projected spending for Part B–covered services — primarily physician visits, outpatient procedures, lab work, durable medical equipment, and some prescription drugs administered in clinical settings. The 2026 increase reflects rising utilization and higher per-service costs across outpatient care.
The premium is set by law to cover approximately 25% of Part B program costs, with the federal government covering the remaining 75% through general revenue.
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Higher-Income Surcharges (IRMAA)
If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeded certain thresholds two years ago (2024 income for 2026 premiums), you'll pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount on top of the standard premium:
| Individual MAGI (2024) | Joint MAGI (2024) | Total 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 |
IRMAA is reassessed every year based on your most recent tax return. A life-changing event — retirement, divorce, death of a spouse — can trigger a reduction. You'll need to file Form SSA-44 with documentation of the event.
The Penalty for Late Enrollment
If you didn't enroll in Part B when first eligible and don't have qualifying employer coverage, a 10% surcharge is added to your premium for every full 12-month period of delay. This surcharge is permanent — it stays on your premium for as long as you have Part B.
The Medicare Enrollment Guide includes IRMAA bracket tables, penalty calculators, and the complete Form SSA-44 walkthrough for appealing income-based surcharges.
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Download the Medicare Enrollment Guide: When and How to Sign Up — Quick-Start Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.