Every year the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services releases cost updates for the year. Below we review the changes for 2026.
Medicare Part A cost for 2026
Medicare Part A, which provides hospital coverage, is typically “free” for most people if you have worked at least 10 years and paid Medicare taxes during that time.
Part A also has deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
In 2026, the Part A hospital deductible increased to $1,736, up from $1,676 in 2025. This deductible covers your share of costs for the first 60 days of inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.
For hospital days 61–90 in 2026, the daily coinsurance is $434 per day. If you use lifetime reserve days (days 91 and beyond), the coinsurance is higher. Skilled nursing facility coinsurance also increased slightly for 2026.
Note: Most Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans cover the Part A deductible and inpatient hospital copays.
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How much will I pay for Medicare Part B in 2026?
IRMAA Calculator (2026)
The standard Part B premium increased from $185.00 per month in 2025 to $202.90 per month in 2026.
If your income was above certain thresholds, you will pay extra for Part B and Part D due to IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). The chart below shows the Part B premiums for 2026 based on your 2024 tax return.
| If your yearly modified adjusted gross income in 2024 was | You pay (in 2026) | |
| File individual tax return | File joint tax return | |
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $202.90 |
| above $109,000 up to $137,000 | above $218,000 up to $274,000 | $284.10 |
| above $137,000 up to $171,000 | above $274,000 up to $342,000 | $405.80 |
| above $171,000 up to $205,000 | above $342,000 up to $410,000 | $527.50 |
| above $205,000 and less than $500,000 | above $410,000 and less than $750,000 | $649.20 |
| $500,000 or above | $750,000 or above | $689.90 |
Medicare uses your 2024 tax return to determine your 2026 IRMAA. For example, if you earned over $109,000 as an individual or $218,000 as a couple, your Part B premium in 2026 will be higher than the standard $202.90 per month.
The Part B premium is not the same as the Part B deductible. The deductible is the annual amount you pay at the doctor before your supplement plan starts to pay.
Medigap Plans G and N do not cover the Part B deductible. Plan F (if you are eligible) covers the Part B deductible.
What is the Part B deductible in 2026?
In 2026, the Part B deductible increased to $283, up from $257 in 2025.
Continue learning about Medicare — visit our Medicare 101 page.
How much will Part D cost in 2026?
In 2026, the average standalone Part D (prescription drug) plan premium is projected to be about $34.50 per month. Depending on your county, you will usually see options ranging from about $0–$50 per month.
The maximum Part D deductible in 2026 is $615. Some plans have no deductible, or only apply the deductible to certain tiers.
One of the biggest changes is the new annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. In 2026, once your out-of-pocket spending on covered Part D drugs reaches $2,100, you won’t pay any more for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year.
This effectively eliminates the old “donut hole” structure and makes prescription costs more predictable, especially for people who take expensive medications.
Like Part B, Part D premiums may also be subject to IRMAA if your income is above certain thresholds. The chart below shows the additional Part D amounts for 2026 (added on top of your plan premium).
| If your yearly modified adjusted gross income in 2024 was | You pay (in 2026) | |
| File individual tax return | File joint tax return | |
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | Your plan premium |
| above $109,000 up to $137,000 | above $218,000 up to $274,000 | $14.50 + your plan premium |
| above $137,000 up to $171,000 | above $274,000 up to $342,000 | $37.50 + your plan premium |
| above $171,000 up to $205,000 | above $342,000 up to $410,000 | $60.40 + your plan premium |
| above $205,000 and less than $500,000 | above $410,000 and less than $750,000 | $83.30 + your plan premium |
| $500,000 or above | $750,000 or above | $91.00 + your plan premium |
Not sure if your income will trigger IRMAA or which Part D plan is best?
Call 800-208-4974 for a free prescription and cost review.
How do I dispute the adjustment?
You can contact Social Security or use this form to request a reduction in your IRMAA due to a life-changing event.
Medicare cost changes: 2025 vs 2026
| Medicare cost | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
| Part A hospital deductible | $1,676 | $1,736 | + $60 |
| Part A daily copay (days 61–90) | $419/day | $434/day | + $15/day |
| Standard Part B premium | $185.00 | $202.90 | + $17.90 |
| Part B deductible | $257 | $283 | + $26 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,000 | $2,100 | + $100 |
How much will a Medicare plan cost in 2026?
Medicare plan costs will depend on whether you choose a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. Here’s a general overview for 2026.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Most people pay roughly $95–$165 per month for a popular Medigap plan such as Plan G or Plan N, depending on age, state, and tobacco status.
- Higher monthly premium than many Advantage plans.
- Very predictable out-of-pocket costs.
- Nationwide access to providers that accept Medicare.
- Does not include prescription coverage (you typically add a separate Part D plan).
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans usually range from about $0–$100 per month, and many plans include Part D prescription coverage and extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
- Lower monthly premium (often $0), but higher potential out-of-pocket costs when you use services.
- Networks (HMO or PPO) that limit which doctors and hospitals you can see.
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum, which Original Medicare does not have.
- Benefits, copays, and drug coverage vary by plan and county.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: quick comparison
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
| Monthly premium | Higher (around $95–$165) | Often low or $0 |
| Doctor & hospital choice | Any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide | Network-based (HMO/PPO), may require referrals |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Very predictable, low after premium | Copays and coinsurance as you use care |
| Includes Part D? | No, usually add a standalone Part D plan | Often includes Part D |
| Travel within U.S. | Strong (any Medicare provider) | May be limited outside service area |
| Best for | People who value flexibility & low risk | People who prefer lower premiums and can manage copays |
Before you choose a plan, it’s important to compare rates, networks, and total out-of-pocket exposure in your area. Our team does this for you at no cost.
Not sure whether a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan is better for you in 2026?
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Recap:
- Most folks will not pay a premium for Part A.
- The standard Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month.
- The Part B deductible is 283 in 2026.
- Parts B and D may include income-related adjustments (IRMAA) if your income is above certain thresholds.
Questions? Call us at 800-208-4974, we will be happy to assist you!
Alex Wender is the founder and CEO of Bluewave Insurance. He has been blogging about Medicare-related topics since 2010. Since then, he and his agency have helped thousands of people across the country choose the right Medicare to fit their needs.
