What do you pay for Part B?
| Cost | 2026 amount | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $202.90 for most people | Usually taken out of your Social Security check. |
| Yearly deductible | $283 | You pay this before Part B starts to pay its share. |
| Coinsurance | Typically 20% | Of the Medicare-approved amount for most outpatient care and doctor visits, with no yearly limit under Original Medicare. |
Who pays a higher premium?
If your modified adjusted gross income is above $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (married filing jointly), you pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount, called IRMAA. For 2026 the total Part B premium rises in steps from $284.10 to $689.90 a month. Medicare uses your tax return from two years earlier, so 2026 premiums are based on your 2024 income. Part D drug plans carry a separate surcharge of $14.50 to $91.00 a month at the same income levels.
Can you get help or a lower premium?
If your income has dropped because of retirement, marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse or another life-changing event, you can ask Social Security to base your premium on a more recent year. People with limited income and resources may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program through their state, which can pay the Part B premium. Your state's SHIP counselors can help you apply at no cost.
What about 2027?
The 2027 Part B premium and income brackets had not been announced when this article was reviewed. Medicare normally announces them in the fall. We will update this page once they are official.
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Enter your income and filing status to see your 2026 Medicare Part B premium and any high-income surcharge.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.
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