Medicare 2026: New Premiums and Deductibles Announced

What beneficiaries need to know about the upcoming cost changes for Part A and Part B. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially released the premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for 2026. If you are on Medicare or planning to enroll soon, it is important to update your budget, as costs for both Part A and Part B are set to increase next year. 

Here is a breakdown of the key numbers for 2026 and how they compare to the previous year. 

Part B: Standard Premium and Deductible Increases 

Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and other medical services not covered by Part A. 

For most beneficiaries, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $202.90 in 2026, an increase of $17.90 from the 2025 rate of $185.00. 

The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will also see an increase. It is set at $283 in 2026, up $26 from the 2025 deductible of $257. 

Why the increase? According to CMS, the rise in Part B costs is primarily due to projected price changes and assumed increases in utilization consistent with historical experience. 

High-Income Earners (IRMAA) As in previous years, if your income is above a certain threshold (greater than $109,000 for individuals or $218,000 for joint filers), you may pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). This extra charge is added to your Part B and Part D premiums. 

Part A: Hospital Deductibles and Coinsurance 

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice, inpatient rehabilitation, and some home health care services. While most beneficiaries (about 99%) do not pay a monthly premium for Part A because they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment, the costs for hospital stays are changing. 

Inpatient Hospital Deductible If you are admitted to the hospital, the deductible you pay for the first 60 days of care will be $1,736 in 2026, an increase of $60 from $1,676 in 2025. 

Coinsurance Costs If your hospital stay extends beyond 60 days, your daily coinsurance costs will be: 

• Days 61-90: $434 per day (up from $419). 

• Lifetime Reserve Days: $868 per day (up from $838). 

Skilled Nursing Facilities For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 will be $217.00 in 2026 (up from $209.50). 

What Should You Do Now? 

1. Review Your Notice: Look out for official notices from CMS or Social Security detailing your specific premium for 2026, especially if you are subject to IRMAA. 

1. Check Your Plan: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your plan will determine your out-of-pocket costs, though they must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare. 

1. Plan Your Budget: If you pay your premiums directly rather than having them deducted from Social Security, ensure you update your payment amounts for the new year. 

For more detailed tables on income adjustments and specific premium calculations, you can view the full CMS Fact Sheet here.

Need help understanding your 2026 Medicare costs? Speak with a licensed agent at Trusted Senior Specialists today! Call us at 1-855-952-1941 (TTY: 711) to get the answers you need.