Medicare Costs in 2026: Premiums & Deductibles

Medicare isn't completely free, even if you qualify for premium-free Part A.

Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, plus deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs when they get medical care.

Your total cost depends on your income, how often you use healthcare services, and whether you choose Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or additional coverage.

Medicare Costs at a Glance

Here's what you can expect to pay for Medicare in 2026.

These are the standard 2026 amounts published by CMS. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay additional Part B and Part D premiums.

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost?

Most people get premium-free Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters, or about 10 years.

If you don't qualify, the Part A premium is either $311 or $565 per month in 2026, depending on your work history.

Even with premium-free Part A, you may have out-of-pocket costs when you're hospitalized.

The 2026 Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period, and daily coinsurance applies if a stay goes beyond 60 days.

Unlike the Part B deductible, the Part A deductible isn't annual, so you could owe it more than once in the same year.

For more detail, see Medicare Part A: Costs, Coverage & Eligibility.

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost?

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and other medically necessary services.

In 2026, most beneficiaries pay:

• $202.90 per month for the standard premium
• $283 for the annual deductible
• Generally 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services after the deductible

Original Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket maximum, so your share of medical costs can keep adding up throughout the year.

Example: What Could Part B Cost Over a Year?

Say you pay the standard Part B premium and receive $5,000 in Medicare-approved outpatient services during 2026.

Assume all services are subject to the deductible and standard 20% coinsurance.

This example assumes your providers accept Medicare assignment and all services are subject to the standard Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance. Actual expenses may differ based on the services you receive and any supplemental coverage you have.

Does Income Affect Your Part B Premium?

Yes, higher-income beneficiaries pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount, called IRMAA, on top of the standard premium.

In 2026, IRMAA generally begins when modified adjusted gross income exceeds $109,000 for an individual or $218,000 for a married couple filing jointly.

Medicare typically uses your tax return from two years earlier.

See our Medicare Part B guide for more on coverage and costs.

What Does Medicare Advantage Cost?

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Many plans have a $0 additional monthly premium, but you generally still pay your Part B premium.

Depending on the plan, you may pay copays or coinsurance for:

• Doctor and specialist visits
• Hospital stays
• Outpatient procedures
• Diagnostic tests and medical equipment

Unlike Original Medicare alone, Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum for covered Part A and Part B services.

Prescription drug costs generally don't count toward a Medicare Advantage plan's medical out-of-pocket maximum.

Plans that include Part D prescription coverage have separate drug cost-sharing rules.

Important: A $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan doesn't mean your healthcare is free — you can still face significant costs when you use services.

How Much Does Medicare Part D Cost?

Medicare Part D helps pay for outpatient prescription drugs.

Your costs depend on the plan you choose, the medications you take, and the pharmacy you use.

Part D plans may charge a monthly premium, a deductible, and copays or coinsurance for prescriptions.

In 2026, the maximum annual deductible is $615, although some plans have lower deductibles.

The annual out-of-pocket cap for covered Part D drugs is $2,100 in 2026.

Your own spending on covered drugs counts toward the cap, and so do certain payments made on your behalf, such as through Extra Help or other qualifying assistance programs.

Once you reach that limit, you owe nothing more for covered Part D prescriptions for the rest of the calendar year.

Plan premiums and drugs your plan doesn't cover don't count toward the cap.

Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost Extra?

Yes, Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) has its own monthly premium.

Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to help pay deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs Medicare leaves behind.

For example, Plan G covers most Original Medicare cost-sharing, leaving you responsible for the annual Part B deductible and any services Medicare doesn't cover.

Your premium depends on factors like your location, age, insurance company, and plan.

You also continue paying your Part B premium.

Learn more about Medicare Supplement Insurance, or see how every plan compares in our Medicare Supplement plans comparison chart.

Comparing Your Total Medicare Costs

One of the biggest mistakes people make is comparing Medicare coverage on monthly premiums alone.

A plan with a low premium may cost more when you need care, while a plan with a higher premium may cover more of those costs.

When comparing coverage, weigh your predictable monthly costs against what you could owe in a year when you need significant medical care.

How Can You Lower Your Medicare Costs?

There are several ways to reduce what you spend on Medicare:

• Check for financial assistance. Medicare Savings Programs may help eligible beneficiaries pay Part B premiums and certain other costs.
• Apply for Extra Help. This federal program helps people with limited income and resources pay for prescription drugs.
• Compare drug plans every year. Formularies, pharmacy networks, premiums, and cost-sharing can change each year.
• Review your coverage options. Compare your total expected annual costs, including premiums, deductibles, and possible medical bills.

You can find more on financial assistance and current costs at Medicare.gov.

2027 Medicare Cost Updates

In 2027, the Part D annual out-of-pocket cap increases to $2,400, and the maximum deductible rises to $700, according to CMS's 2027 rate announcement.

The 2026 Medicare Trustees Report projects a standard Part B premium of approximately $209.50 per month, although official 2027 Part A and Part B costs haven't been announced as of October 23, 2026.

We'll update this guide when CMS releases the final figures.