2026 Medicare Premiums & Deductibles: What Seniors Need to Know Now
Get the 2026 Medicare premium and deductible updates for Parts A, B, and D. See what changes affect your wallet—and how to plan ahead. Simplified for easy reading.
2026 Medicare Price Hike: What Every Senior Must Know Now
When prices go up, seniors feel it first. And if you're relying on Medicare, your 2026 budget just took a hit. On November 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) dropped their annual cost update—and it's not pocket change. Whether you’re already enrolled or helping a loved one manage their healthcare, these new numbers matter.
Let’s break down exactly what’s changing and what you need to do to avoid surprises when the bills come.
Part A Costs Jump: Hospital Visits Just Got Pricier
What is Medicare Part A?
It covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people don’t pay a premium—but they will pay more if they need care.
2026 Updates at a Glance:
- Hospital deductible: $1,736 (up from $1,676 in 2025)
- Daily coinsurance (days 61–90): $434 (up from $419)
- Lifetime reserve day coinsurance: $868 (up from $838)
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21–100): $217 per day (up from $209.50)
Premiums for People Who Don’t Qualify for Free Part A:
- Reduced premium (30+ work quarters): $311/month (up $26)
- Full premium (fewer than 30 quarters): $565/month (up $47)
Medicare Part B: Monthly Premiums & Deductibles on the Rise
What is Medicare Part B?
It covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health.
Key Increases for 2026:
- Monthly premium: $202.90 (up from $185.00)
- Annual deductible: $283 (up from $257)
CMS attributes the bump mainly to price increases and higher service use. One bright spot: changes in skin substitute payment rules are expected to slash wasteful spending by 90%, helping slow the rate of increase.
High-Income Surcharge: You’ll Pay More If You Earn More
Since 2007, higher earners have paid more for Medicare Part B. For 2026, this affects about 8% of enrollees. Here’s how it shakes out:
Monthly Premiums for Full Part B Coverage by Income (Individual Filers):
High-Income Surcharge: You’ll Pay More If You Earn More
Since 2007, higher earners have paid more for Medicare Part B. For 2026, this affects about 8% of enrollees. Here’s how it shakes out:
Monthly Premiums for Full Part B Coverage by Income (Individual Filers):
Income Range | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
≤ $109,000 | $202.90 |
$109k–$137k | $284.10 |
$137k–$171k | $405.80 $405.80 |
$171k–$205k | $527.50 |
$205k–$500k | $649.20 |
≥ $500,000 | $689.90 |
Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage: Standalone Part B Option
For kidney transplant recipients without other insurance, Medicare offers a Part B plan just for immunosuppressive drugs.
2026 Premium: $121.60/month
Income-based adjustments apply here too, with premiums ranging from $121.60 to $608.10 depending on your earnings.
Medicare Part D: Income-Related Adjustments Still Apply
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. While base premiums vary by plan, higher earners pay an added income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).
2026 IRMAA Amounts for Part D:
Income Range | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
≤ $109,000 | $0.00 |
$109k–$137k | $14.50 |
$137k–$171k | $37.50 |
$171k–$205k | $60.40 |
$205k–$500k | $83.30 |
≥ $500,000 | $91.00
|
Bottom Line: Medicare Will Cost More in 2026—Plan Ahead Now
These increases aren’t just numbers—they’re real dollars out of your pocket. From higher hospital and doctor visit fees to rising drug coverage costs, Medicare beneficiaries will need to budget carefully in 2026.
Whether you’re paying standard rates or hit with IRMAA, now’s the time to review your coverage, talk to your advisor, and make sure your plan still works for your needs.
FAQs About 2026 Medicare Cost
Most people who’ve worked 40+ quarters (10 years) don’t pay a Part A premium. If you haven’t, you may pay up to $565/month.
Rising healthcare prices and increased usage are the main reasons. New rules have helped reduce some spending, but overall costs still climbed.
IRMAA is based on your income from two years prior. If your income drops, you can request a reconsideration from Social Security.
No. Each plan sets its own premium. The IRMAA is an added charge for higher earners, no matter which plan you choose.
Yes. Programs like Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, or Medicaid can assist low-income individuals. Contact your state’s Medicare office.
©JKJ Enterprises LLC 2024. All Right Reserved.