💊 Medicare Part B Premium 2026
Quick Answer
Standard premium increased $17.90 (9.7%) from 2025's $185.00.
If income exceeds $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint), you'll pay IRMAA surcharge of $81.20–$487.00/month extra.
📋 Key Medicare Part B Cost Terms (2026)
Standard Premium
Base monthly cost for most beneficiaries with income under $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint)
Annual Deductible
Amount you pay before Medicare covers Part B services each year
IRMAA Range
Additional monthly surcharge for higher-income beneficiaries
Maximum Premium
Total monthly cost for beneficiaries earning over $500k (single) or $750k (joint)
⚙️ How Medicare Part B Premium Works in 2026
What Part B Covers
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers:
- Doctor visits and outpatient care
- Preventive services (flu shots, screenings, wellness visits)
- Ambulance services
- Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers)
- Mental health services (outpatient)
Premium Calculation
Your 2026 Part B premium is determined by two factors:
- Standard Premium: Everyone pays at least $202.90/month
- IRMAA Surcharge: Added if your 2024 income exceeded the threshold
Your 2026 Medicare premiums are based on your 2024 tax return (Modified Adjusted Gross Income). If your income has decreased since 2024 due to life-changing events (retirement, divorce, death of spouse), you can request a redetermination from Social Security.
📊 2026 IRMAA Income Brackets and Premiums
IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) adds to your Part B premium based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from your 2024 tax return.
| 2024 Income (Single) | 2024 Income (Married Filing Jointly) | Monthly Part B Premium | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 | ≤ $218,000 | $202.90 | $2,434.80 |
| $109,001 - $137,000 | $218,001 - $274,000 | $284.10 | $3,409.20 |
| $137,001 - $172,000 | $274,001 - $344,000 | $405.90 | $4,870.80 |
| $172,001 - $205,000 | $344,001 - $410,000 | $527.70 | $6,332.40 |
| $205,001 - $500,000 | $410,001 - $750,000 | $649.20 | $7,790.40 |
| ≥ $500,001 | ≥ $750,001 | $689.90 | $8,278.80 |
📈 2026 vs 2025: What Changed
2025
- Standard Premium: $185.00/month
- Annual Deductible: $257
- IRMAA Threshold: $106,000 (single)
- Maximum Premium: $628.90/month
2026 (Current)
- Standard Premium: $202.90/month (+$17.90)
- Annual Deductible: $283 (+$26)
- IRMAA Threshold: $109,000 (single) (+$3,000)
- Maximum Premium: $689.90/month (+$61.00)
💡 Real-World Premium Examples
Example 1: Standard Premium (Lower Income)
Profile: Sarah, single, 2024 income: $85,000
Example 2: First IRMAA Bracket
Profile: John and Mary, married filing jointly, 2024 income: $250,000
Example 3: Highest IRMAA Bracket
Profile: Robert, single, 2024 income: $650,000
This is 3.4x the standard premium, costing $5,844 more per year than the base rate.
⚠️ Common Medicare Part B Premium Mistakes
Many retirees are surprised by IRMAA surcharges because they forget Medicare looks at income from 2 years ago. Review your 2024 tax return now and request an IRMAA determination review using Form SSA-44 if needed.
Part A (hospital) is premium-free for most, but Part B always has a monthly cost. Budget at least $202.90/month plus the $283 annual deductible.
If your income dropped significantly since 2024 (retired, lost spouse, reduced work hours), file Form SSA-44 to get your IRMAA adjusted based on current income.
Part B premiums are deducted from Social Security benefits before you receive payment. Remember to subtract $202.90+ from your monthly check when planning.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare Part B premium for 2026?
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, an increase of $17.90 from 2025's $185.00. If your income exceeds $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (married filing jointly), you'll pay an additional IRMAA surcharge ranging from $81.20 to $487.00 per month.
What is IRMAA and who pays it?
IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is a surcharge added to your Part B premium if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds. In 2026, IRMAA applies if your 2024 income exceeded $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (married filing jointly).
What are the 2026 IRMAA income brackets?
Under $109k/$218k: $202.90 • $109k-$137k/$218k-$274k: $284.10 • $137k-$172k/$274k-$344k: $405.90 • $172k-$205k/$344k-$410k: $527.70 • $205k-$500k/$410k-$750k: $649.20 • Over $500k/$750k: $689.90
When will Medicare deduct my Part B premium?
Part B premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security benefits each month. If you don't receive Social Security yet, you'll receive a bill directly from Medicare (usually quarterly).
What is the Part B deductible for 2026?
The Medicare Part B annual deductible is $283 in 2026, up from $257 in 2025. After meeting the deductible, you typically pay 20% coinsurance for most Part B services.
Can I lower my IRMAA if my income decreased?
Yes. If you experienced a life-changing event (retirement, divorce, death of spouse), file Form SSA-44 with Social Security to request a new IRMAA determination based on current income.
✅ Next Steps
- Check Your 2024 Tax Return: Determine which IRMAA bracket applies to you
- Budget Accordingly: Plan for $202.90/month minimum, plus IRMAA if applicable
- Monitor Social Security Deductions: Verify correct premium amount is being withheld
- File Form SSA-44 if Needed: If your income has decreased significantly, request a redetermination
- Consider Tax Planning: Future income reductions (in 2025) will affect 2027 IRMAA
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Medicare Part B premiums and IRMAA for 2026. Always verify current premium amounts with Medicare.gov or Social Security. For personalized advice, consult a licensed Medicare advisor or call 1-800-MEDICARE.