Disclaimer
This article is based only on officially released CMS data dated November 14, 2025. All figures are verified against CMS publications and Federal Register notices. No estimates or assumptions are used.
Quick Summary
- CMS released official 2026 Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and deductibles on November 14, 2025.
- Part A inpatient deductible: $1,736
- Standard Part B premium: $202.90 per month
- Part B annual deductible: $283
- About 99% of beneficiaries pay no Part A premium
- High-income beneficiaries pay higher Part B and Part D premiums through IRMAA
Short Answer
In 2026, Medicare beneficiaries will see higher Part A deductibles and Part B premiums. The standard Part B premium increases to $202.90, and the Part A inpatient deductible rises to $1,736, according to CMS.
Why the 2026 Medicare Cost Update Matters
Every January, Medicare resets deductibles, coinsurance, and premium obligations. For retirees on fixed incomes, even small changes affect monthly cash flow. For billing professionals and caregivers, misunderstanding these updates leads to incorrect cost estimates and patient confusion.
I work with Medicare billing data regularly. Each year, the same issue appears: people focus on the premium but overlook coinsurance exposure. That mistake costs far more than the premium increase itself.
Medicare Part A in 2026: Premiums, Deductibles, and Coinsurance
What Part A Covers
Medicare Part A pays for:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice
- Inpatient rehabilitation
- Limited home health services
Medicare Part A Premiums in 2026
Approximately 99% of beneficiaries pay $0 for Part A because they earned at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.
For those who must buy into Part A:
| Coverage History | Monthly Premium (2026) |
|---|---|
| 30–39 quarters | $311 |
| Fewer than 30 quarters | $565 |
Example:
A 66-year-old with 32 quarters of work history pays $311 per month for Part A coverage in 2026.
Medicare Part A Deductible and Coinsurance (2026)
The Part A deductible applies per benefit period, not annually.
| Cost Type | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Inpatient hospital deductible | $1,736 |
| Days 61–90 coinsurance | $434/day |
| Lifetime reserve days | $868/day |
| Skilled nursing (days 21–100) | $217/day |
Example:
A patient hospitalized for 75 days pays the $1,736 deductible plus $434 per day for days 61–75.
Medicare Part B in 2026: Premiums and Deductibles
What Part B Covers
- Physician services
- Outpatient hospital care
- Preventive services
- Durable medical equipment
- Certain home health services
Standard Medicare Part B Premium (2026)
- $202.90 per month
- Increase of $17.90 from 2025
CMS attributes the increase to:
- Higher projected utilization
- Price changes aligned with historical spending patterns
CMS confirmed that policy changes to skin substitute payments prevented an even larger increase.
Example:
Without CMS intervention, the Part B premium would have increased by about $11 more per month.
Medicare Part B Deductible (2026)
- $283 annually
- Increase of $26 from 2025
Once met, Medicare generally pays 80% of approved amounts.
Example:
A beneficiary receiving outpatient imaging in January pays the first $283 before Part B coinsurance applies.
Part B Coverage for Immunosuppressive Drugs
Beneficiaries whose full Medicare coverage ended after a kidney transplant can continue Part B drug coverage.
- 2026 premium: $121.60 per month
This applies only to immunosuppressive drug coverage, not full Part B services.
Medicare Part B IRMAA for 2026 (High-Income Beneficiaries)
About 8% of Part B enrollees pay income-related monthly adjustment amounts.
Full Part B Coverage – Monthly Premiums
| MAGI (Individual) | Total Premium |
|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 | $202.90 |
| $109,001–$137,000 | $284.10 |
| $137,001–$171,000 | $405.80 |
| $171,001–$205,000 | $527.50 |
| $205,001–$500,000 | $649.20 |
| ≥ $500,000 | $689.90 |
Example:
A retiree with $150,000 MAGI pays $405.80 per month for Part B in 2026.
Married Filing Separately (Lived With Spouse)
| MAGI | Total Premium |
|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 | $202.90 |
| $109,001–$391,000 | $649.20 |
| ≥ $391,000 | $689.90 |
Medicare Part D IRMAA in 2026
Part D IRMAA applies in addition to plan premiums.
| MAGI (Individual) | Monthly IRMAA |
|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 | $0 |
| $109,001–$137,000 | $14.50 |
| $137,001–$171,000 | $37.50 |
| $171,001–$205,000 | $60.40 |
| $205,001–$500,000 | $83.30 |
| ≥ $500,000 | $91.00 |
Example:
A beneficiary paying a $45 Part D plan premium with a $60.40 IRMAA pays $105.40 total per month.
Common Mistakes Beneficiaries Make
- Confusing benefit period deductibles with annual deductibles
- Ignoring IRMAA until Social Security deductions change
- Budgeting only for premiums, not coinsurance
- Assuming Medicare Advantage eliminates Part B premiums
I see this mistake repeatedly during annual reviews.
What Beneficiaries Should Do Now
- Review 2024 tax returns (IRMAA basis)
- Confirm Part A eligibility with Social Security
- Recalculate 2026 healthcare budgets
- Review Medigap or Medicare Advantage options
People Also Ask
Did Medicare premiums increase in 2026
Yes. Both Part A deductibles and Part B premiums increased.
Do most people still get Part A for free
Yes. About 99% pay no Part A premium.
Does Medicare Advantage remove Part B premiums
No. Part B premiums apply regardless of Advantage enrollment.
When do 2026 Medicare costs take effect
January 1, 2026.
Key Points
- CMS released official 2026 Medicare costs on November 14, 2025
- Part A deductible: $1,736
- Standard Part B premium: $202.90
- IRMAA affects about 8% of beneficiaries
- Planning now prevents financial surprises in January
Author Bio
Written by a Medicare policy and medical billing specialist with extensive experience interpreting CMS regulations and beneficiary cost structures. The author works directly with healthcare administrators and Medicare enrollees to translate federal policy into practical financial decisions.
Also Read: 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement
People Also Ask
It is $1,736 per benefit period, up $60 from 2025.
The annual Part B deductible is $283 in 2026.
No. Advantage plan deductibles vary by provider but cannot exceed CMS’s federal cost limits.
Compare Medigap and Advantage plans, use preventive services, and ensure your drugs are covered under your plan’s formulary.
Official Website Article: 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles | CMS