Medicare Costs in 2026
Medicare is not free. Most people pay monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance — and higher-income households may pay significantly more due to income-related adjustments. This page explains what Medicare costs in 2026, what it covers, and where gaps remain.
Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.
- Monthly Premium: $0 for most people who worked at least 40 quarters
- Premium if you didn’t work long enough: $311 or $565 per month
- Hospital Deductible: $1,736 per benefit period
- Hospital Coinsurance:
- Days 1–60: $0
- Days 61–90: $434 per day
- Lifetime reserve days: $868 per day
- Skilled Nursing Facility: $217 per day for days 21–100
Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, lab work, and durable medical equipment.
- Standard Monthly Premium: $202.90
- Annual Deductible: $283
- Coinsurance: After the deductible, you usually pay 20% of Medicare‑approved costs
Income‑Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
If your income is above certain levels, you pay more than the standard Part B premium. This extra charge is called IRMAA.
IRMAA is based on your modified adjusted gross income from two years ago. For 2026 premiums, Medicare looks at your 2024 tax return.
| 2024 Income (MAGI) | 2026 Part B Premium |
|---|---|
|
≤ $109,000 (individual) ≤ $218,000 (married filing jointly) |
$202.90 |
|
$109,001 – $137,000 $218,001 – $274,000 |
$284.10 |
|
$137,001 – $171,000 $274,001 – $342,000 |
$405.80 |
|
$171,001 – $205,000 $342,001 – $410,000 |
$527.50 |
|
$205,001 – $499,999 $410,001 – $749,999 |
$649.20 |
|
≥ $500,000 ≥ $750,000 |
$689.90 |
Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies and help cover prescription medications.
- Monthly Premium: Varies by plan
- Out‑of‑Pocket Cap: $2,000 per year
- Insulin: No more than $35 per month
Part D IRMAA (Added to Your Plan Premium)
| 2024 Income (MAGI) | Monthly IRMAA |
|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 / ≤ $218,000 | $0 |
| $109,001 – $137,000 | $14.50 |
| $137,001 – $171,000 | $37.50 |
| $171,001 – $205,000 | $60.40 |
| $205,001 – $499,999 | $83.30 |
| ≥ $500,000 | $91.00 |
What Medicare Does NOT Cover
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, vision exams, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or long‑term custodial care. Many people choose a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan to help cover these gaps.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles.
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What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program accessible to individuals who are 65 years and older, as well as to those under 65 with specific disabilities or medical conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease.
It comprises various components, known as Parts A, B, C, and D, each designed to meet different healthcare requirements.
Original Medicare
Medicare Parts A and B are referred to as "Original Medicare".
These parts are managed by the federal government. Some individuals who receive Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare while others need to apply for it as they approach their 65th birthday.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Medicare Part A includes coverage for inpatient services in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, as well as home health care and hospice care for patients with terminal illnesses.
Part A Cost
Deductible
You must first meet a Part A deductible before Part A helps with your covered medical expenses.
Options
There is no insurance premium for Part A if you or your spouse have paid into Social Security for a minimum of 10 years.
If not, you have the option to purchase Medicare Part A.
Copays
Copayments or cost-sharing might be required for certain services. This includes prolonged hospital or skilled nursing facility stays.
Coinsurance
Part A has coinsurance for:
• Inpatient hospital care lasting between 61-90 days total per benefit period.
• Inpatient mental health care lasting between 61-90 days total per benefit period.
• Skilled nursing care lasting between 21-100 days total per benefit period.
Coinsurance is also available for a limited number of additional days.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part B provides coverage for doctor visits, durable medical equipment, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and various other outpatient services.
Part B Cost
Deductible
Similar to Part A, you must first meet an insurance deductible before Part B helps with your medical costs.
Copays
Copayments or cost-sharing might be required for certain services, such as those provided in an outpatient hospital setting
.
Coinsurance
You are responsible for 20 percent of the cost for certain medical services, including doctor visits, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.
Preventative Care
Medicare-covered preventive care services, including annual wellness visits and mammograms for women, are fully covered. No deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance are required for these services.
Premium
Medicare Part B requires a monthly insurance premium, which depends on your enrollment timing and annual household income.This premium is typically deducted from Social Security benefits.
It is distinct from the premiums for Medigap, Medicare Advantage (Part C), or Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D).
Note about Medicare Part B Limits: Medicare Part B imposes annual limits on services for physical
therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.
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DISCLAIMER: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.Code
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