Medicare costs are going up in 2026. For the more than 65 million Americans who rely on Medicare, this means higher monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. These increases affect Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D—and the biggest impact will be on higher-income beneficiaries who pay additional surcharges.
If you’re planning for retirement or already enrolled in Medicare, it’s important to know exactly how much you’ll be paying. Below, we break down the new 2026 Medicare premiums, deductibles, and income brackets so you can prepare.
Medicare Part B Premiums in 2026
Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, and medical equipment. It’s also where the biggest changes are happening in 2026.
- Standard Part B premium: $185 per month (up from $174.70 in 2026).
- Annual deductible: $257 (an increase of $17).
But what you actually pay depends on your income. Medicare uses Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) to charge higher-income beneficiaries more.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →2026 Medicare Part B Premiums by Income
| Income (Individual) | Income (Couple) | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| $106,000 or less | $212,000 or less | $185 (standard) |
| $106,001 – $133,500 | $212,001 – $267,000 | $259.70 |
| $133,501 – $166,000 | $267,001 – $332,000 | $334.20 |
| $166,001 – $199,000 | $332,001 – $398,000 | $408.70 |
| $199,001 – $499,999 | $398,001 – $749,999 | $483.30 |
| $500,000+ | $750,000+ | $628.90 |
Note: Medicare also has a $110.40 Part B premium option for kidney transplant patients who need lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. Like standard premiums, it increases based on income.
Medicare Part A Costs in 2026
Most retirees don’t pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), but deductibles and coinsurance are rising.
- Hospital deductible: $1,676 (up from $1,632).
- Coinsurance for hospital stays:
- Days 61–90: $419 per day
- Lifetime reserve days: $838 per day
- Skilled nursing facility care: $209.50 per day (days 21–100).
For those who must pay into Part A:
- With 30+ quarters of work history: $285 per month.
- With fewer than 30 quarters: $518 per month.
Medicare Part D Premiums in 2026
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. Base premiums depend on the plan you choose, but high-income enrollees also pay IRMAA surcharges.
2026 Medicare Part D Surcharges by Income
| Income (Individual) | Income (Couple) | Monthly Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| $106,000 or less | $212,000 or less | No extra charge |
| $106,001 – $133,500 | $212,001 – $267,000 | $13.70 |
| $133,501 – $166,000 | $267,001 – $332,000 | $34.40 |
| $166,001 – $199,000 | $332,001 – $398,000 | $55.20 |
| $199,001 – $499,999 | $398,001 – $749,999 | $76.00 |
| $500,000+ | $750,000+ | $85.80 |
Married individuals filing separately may face higher surcharges if their income is above $394,000.
Why Medicare Costs Are Rising in 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) attributes these increases to:
- Rising medical inflation.
- Higher demand for healthcare services as the population ages.
- Adjustments needed to keep Medicare financially stable.
While these changes may seem small, they can add up quickly—especially for retirees on fixed incomes.
What Beneficiaries Should Do
- Check your income bracket: If your income is close to an IRMAA threshold, consider tax planning strategies to stay in a lower bracket.
- Review your coverage during open enrollment: Costs vary widely for Part D prescription drug plans, so compare options carefully.
- Budget ahead for higher healthcare costs: Even modest increases can significantly affect retirement budgets.
