Yes, Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles are going up in 2026, with the standard monthly premium increasing to $202.90 (up $17.90 from 2025) and the annual deductible rising to $283 (up $26), driven by projected increases in healthcare costs and utilization. Most beneficiaries will pay the standard rate, but higher earners will pay more through income-related adjustments (IRMAA).
For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month (up from $185 in 2025), with the annual deductible rising to $283; higher earners pay more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA), and most people with Part A don't pay a premium, but the inpatient deductible increases to $1,736. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) often have low or no extra premiums, though most still require paying the Part B premium. Costs for Part D (prescription drugs) also have income-based adjustments.
Medicare premiums are set to increase for 2026, putting a dent in retirees' Social Security checks. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that 2026 monthly Part B premiums will climb to $202.90, an increase of $17.90 from $185 this year.
Each year, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to provisions of the Social Security Act. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $202.90 for 2026, an increase of $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025.
For the average retired worker, the 2.8 percent COLA is expected to increase their monthly benefit by about $56. This will raise the average payment from approximately $2,008 in 2025 to about $2,064 in 2026. Social Security retirement beneficiaries will see this increase reflected in their January 2026 payments.
In 2026, Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace premiums are seeing significant increases, with median proposed hikes around 18-21.7%, driven by rising healthcare costs and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, leading to much higher costs for many enrollees, while employer-sponsored plans also face double-digit rises, and Medicare Part B premiums are up about 10%. The exact amount varies by state, plan, and individual income, with some subsidies ending and leaving middle-income enrollees paying a much larger share.
If you file your taxes as "married, filing jointly" and your MAGI is greater than $218,000, you'll pay higher premiums for your Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you file your taxes using a different status, and your MAGI is greater than $109,000, you'll pay higher premiums.
The Social Security Administration announced in October that beneficiaries will see a 2.8% increase in their monthly payments, known as the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. Individuals receiving Social Security benefits will notice the increase starting in January 2026.
You can avoid paying Medicare Part B premiums by delaying enrollment if you have creditable employer coverage (your own or spouse's job with 20+ employees) until that coverage ends (within 8 months to avoid penalties), or by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to have state/federal funds pay for it due to low income. Other ways to save include using HSA funds, appealing high Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for life changes, or enrolling on time during your Initial Enrollment Period.
In 2026, Medicare brings higher costs for Parts A & B (premiums, deductibles), but also significant prescription drug savings, including a new $2,100 Part D out-of-pocket cap, continued $35 insulin cap, and new negotiated drug prices; plus, enhanced preventive care (like mental health/heart screenings) and stricter Medicare Advantage rules are coming, driven by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Yes, the Medicare Part D "donut hole" (coverage gap) is officially eliminated as of January 1, 2025, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, simplifying coverage into three phases: deductible, initial coverage, and catastrophic, with a new $2,000 out-of-pocket spending cap that eliminates the gap where higher costs used to occur.
The IRA introduced significant changes to the Medicare prescription drug benefit as well as the inclusion of price-set medicines starting in 2026. As plans adapt to these changes, it's creating a lot of disruption for patients, many of whom are facing higher premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs and restricted options.
After the application of MA rebates, which reflects what people in MA plans with prescription drug coverage will pay, the average Part D total premium for MA plans with prescription drug coverage is projected to decrease from $13.32 in 2025 to $11.50 in 2026 (a decrease of $1.82).
The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location.
Yes, Medicare costs are going up in 2026, with the standard Part B monthly premium increasing by $17.90 to $202.90, and the Part B deductible rising to $283; these increases are due to rising healthcare costs, affecting out-of-pocket expenses for many beneficiaries.
If you've had a life-changing event that reduced your household income, you can ask to lower the additional amount you'll pay for Medicare Part B and Part D. Life-changing events include marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, loss of income, and an employer settlement payment.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2026
The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2025.
If you can't afford Medicare Part B, you should immediately contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office to apply for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can pay your Part B premiums and other costs if you have low income/resources, or explore options like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or even look into Medicaid itself for comprehensive help, as delaying Part B can lead to lifetime penalties.
There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines if you owe an IRMAA based on the income you reported on your IRS tax return two years prior. If you are expected to pay IRMAA, SSA will notify you that you have a higher Part B or Part D premium.