Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment. Most people pay three kinds of costs for it: a monthly premium, a yearly deductible and a share of each bill. Here are the 2026 numbers and how they apply to you.
The monthly premium
The standard Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 a month, up from $185 in 2025. If you receive Social Security, it is usually deducted from your payment. If not, Medicare bills you.
Some people pay a different amount:
- People with higher incomes pay an extra charge, explained below.
- People who signed up late may pay a lifelong late enrollment penalty.
- People who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program may have their premium paid by their state.
The yearly deductible
In 2026, you pay the first $283 of Medicare-approved Part B costs yourself each year. After that, Medicare starts paying its share. Many preventive services, such as the yearly wellness visit and many cancer screenings, are covered without your paying the deductible, if your provider accepts the Medicare-approved amount.
Your 20% share
After the deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services, such as doctor visits and outpatient therapy. There is no yearly cap on this share in Original Medicare. That is the main reason many people buy a Medigap policy or choose a Medicare Advantage plan with an out-of-pocket limit.
Income-related charges (IRMAA)
If your income is above certain limits, you pay more for Part B. Social Security uses your modified adjusted gross income from your tax return two years earlier; for 2026 premiums, that is your 2024 return.
| Individual tax return | Joint tax return | Total monthly Part B premium |
|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $202.90 |
| $109,001 to $137,000 | $218,001 to $274,000 | $284.10 |
| $137,001 to $171,000 | $274,001 to $342,000 | $405.80 |
| $171,001 to $205,000 | $342,001 to $410,000 | $527.50 |
| $205,001 to $499,999 | $410,001 to $749,999 | $649.20 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $689.90 |
Higher-income people also pay an extra charge for Part D drug coverage, from $14.50 to $91.00 a month in 2026.
If your income has dropped because of retirement, a spouse's death, divorce or another life-changing event, you can ask Social Security to use more recent income with Form SSA-44. Read how Medicare premiums are deducted from Social Security.
Part A costs for 2026
Most people pay no Part A premium. For a hospital stay, Part A costs in 2026 are:
- Deductible: $1,736 for each benefit period.
- Days 61 to 90: $434 a day.
- Lifetime reserve days: $868 a day.
- Skilled nursing facility, days 21 to 100: $217 a day.
What to expect for 2027
The official 2027 Part B premium and deductible are usually announced in November. The Medicare trustees' 2026 report projected a 2027 premium of about $209.50 a month and a deductible of about $292, but the actual figures may differ. We will update this guide when the official numbers are released.
Help with Part B costs
If your income is limited, a Medicare Savings Program may pay your Part B premium and, in some cases, your deductibles and coinsurance. Read Medicare Savings Programs to see how they work.
