2026 Medicare Costs: Updated Premiums, Deductibles, and IRMAA Surcharges

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the official 2026 Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance rates, and income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) for Parts A, B, and D. Here’s a direct breakdown of what beneficiaries will pay in 2026.


Medicare Part A Costs for 2026

Premiums

Most people (about 99%) continue to pay no Part A premium due to 40+ quarters of covered employment.
Buy-in premiums for those without enough work credits:

  • $311/month with 30–39 quarters (up $26)
  • $565/month with fewer than 30 quarters (up $47)

Hospital Deductible & Coinsurance

  • Inpatient deductible: $1,736
  • Coinsurance:
    • Days 61–90: $434/day
    • Lifetime reserve days: $868/day
    • Skilled nursing facility (days 21–100): $217/day

Medicare Part B Costs for 2026

Standard Premium & Deductible

  • Monthly premium: $202.90 (up from $185)
  • Annual deductible: $283 (up from $257)

CMS attributes the increase to higher projected service costs. Cuts to overspending on skin-substitute products prevented an additional $11/month increase.

Immunosuppressive Drug-Only Coverage

For beneficiaries who only keep Part B for immunosuppressive drugs after a kidney transplant:

  • Premium: $121.60

2026 Part B IRMAA Surcharges

IRMAA applies to roughly 8% of enrollees.

Full Part B Coverage — Monthly Premiums by Income (2026)

Individual / Joint Filers

Income (Individual)Income (Joint)Total Monthly 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–$500,000$410,001–$750,000$649.20
≥ $500,000≥ $750,000$689.90

Married, Filing Separately

IncomeTotal Monthly Premium
≤ $109,000$202.90
$109,001–$391,000$649.20
≥ $391,000$689.90

Part B IRMAA for Immunosuppressive Drug-Only Coverage

Income (Individual)Income (Joint)Total Monthly Premium
≤ $109,000≤ $218,000$121.60
$109,001–$137,000$218,001–$274,000$202.70
$137,001–$171,000$274,001–$342,000$324.30
$171,001–$205,000$342,001–$410,000$445.90
$205,001–$500,000$410,001–$750,000$567.50
≥ $500,000≥ $750,000$608.10

Married, Filing Separately

IncomeTotal Premium
≤ $109,000$121.60
$109,001–$391,000$567.50
≥ $391,000$608.10

Medicare Part D IRMAA for 2026

IRMAA for Part D applies to about 8% of beneficiaries and is added to the plan’s premium.

Individual / Joint Filers

Income (Individual)Income (Joint)IRMAA
≤ $109,000≤ $218,000$0
$109,001–$137,000$218,001–$274,000$14.50
$137,001–$171,000$274,001–$342,000$37.50
$171,001–$205,000$342,001–$410,000$60.40
$205,001–$500,000$410,001–$750,000$83.30
≥ $500,000≥ $750,000$91.00

Married, Filing Separately

IncomeIRMAA
≤ $109,000$0
$109,001–$391,000$83.30
≥ $391,000$91.00

Key Takeaway for 2026

Medicare costs are rising across the board, with Part B premiums and deductibles seeing the most notable increases. Higher-income beneficiaries face significant IRMAA surcharges for both Part B and Part D, making income planning crucial for retirees.

Also Read: 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement


People Also Ask

Q1: How much is the Medicare Part A deductible for 2026?

It is $1,736 per benefit period, up $60 from 2025.

Q2: What is the Medicare Part B deductible for 2026?

The annual Part B deductible is $283 in 2026.

Q3: Are Medicare Advantage deductibles the same as Original Medicare?

No. Advantage plan deductibles vary by provider but cannot exceed CMS’s federal cost limits.

Q4: How can I lower my deductible costs?

Compare Medigap and Advantage plans, use preventive services, and ensure your drugs are covered under your plan’s formulary.


Author Bio

Written by a healthcare policy and Medicare analyst specializing in CMS reforms, Medigap strategies, and senior health finance. With over a decade of experience in Medicare cost modeling and policy forecasting, the author simplifies complex regulations to help beneficiaries make confident healthcare decisions.


Official Website Article: 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles | CMS

Leave a Comment