If you rely on Medicare, you need to know that costs are going up in 2026. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will rise to $206.50. That is a jump of $21.50 from 2025’s rate of $185, making it one of the biggest increases in recent years.
Part B covers things like outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive care, and durable medical equipment. For many of you, it is a major part of your health coverage, so even a small increase adds up over time. Along with the higher premiums, the annual deductible is also expected to climb from $257 to $288 in 2026.
Why are Medicare Part B premiums increasing
The truth is, several factors are pushing prices higher. According to the CMS, the number of people enrolling in Medicare is growing quickly, the cost of providing care is rising, and the tax rate that supports the program has not changed. Without more tax revenue, Medicare has to raise premiums to keep up.
As Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, explained:
“The healthcare price surge is being driven by multiple factors, including medical cost inflation, higher drug costs, and an increase in hospital and doctor visits among Medicare beneficiaries. For Medicare beneficiaries looking to save on healthcare costs for 2026, it is key to begin preparing now and seek expert guidance to review the various plan changes that are expected for this fall’s annual enrollment period.”
How much will Medicare Part B premiums be in 2026
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect next year:
- Standard Part B premium: $206.50 per month (up from $185 in 2025)
- Annual deductible: $288 (up from $257)
- Percentage increase: 11.6% for premiums, 12% for the deductible
For people living on fixed incomes, this can feel like a big jump. While $21.50 may not sound like much, over a year it adds up to more than $250 extra out of your pocket.
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Who will see higher costs with IRMAA in 2026
If your income is above a certain level, you also pay an additional fee on top of your regular Part B premium. This is called the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
In 2026, the IRMAA surcharges will rise for all income brackets. That means if you earn at least $106,000 as an individual or $212,000 as a married couple filing jointly, you will pay more.
Here is what that looks like:
- Beneficiaries in the lowest IRMAA bracket will pay $82.60 more per month (up from $74).
- Those in the highest bracket will pay $495.60 more per month (up from $443.90).
So if you are in one of these higher-income groups, expect your monthly Medicare bill to rise by anywhere from about $8 to over $50 compared to 2025.
Will Medicare Part D costs also rise in 2026
It is not just Part B. The CMS projects increases in Part D prescription drug coverage as well. While the exact plan premiums vary since they are offered by private companies, the base Part D premium is expected to rise from $36.78 to $38.99.
Other Part D costs will also go up:
- Deductible: Increasing from $590 to $615
- Catastrophic coverage threshold: Rising from $2,000 to $2,100
- Part D IRMAA: Increasing from $13.70–$85.80 to $14.50–$91 per month depending on income level
For many of you, this means you will be paying more out of pocket before your coverage kicks in.
What you can do to prepare for Medicare cost increases
If you are worried about these higher costs, you are not alone. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Budget ahead: Adjust your monthly spending to prepare for the increase.
- Review your Medicare Advantage options: Some plans may reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Look into Extra Help: If you qualify, this program can lower your drug costs.
- Check your income levels: Managing your taxable income can reduce IRMAA surcharges.
- Seek advice: A licensed agent or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you compare options.
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