Medicare Part B 2026
Medicare Part B 2026 Premium: Projected Costs, IRMAA, and Planning Tips
As healthcare costs continue to rise, many Medicare beneficiaries are looking ahead to 2026. According to official estimates, the standard Medicare Part B premium is projected to increase to $206.50 per month in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025. This represents an 11.6% increase, the largest in nearly a decade.
What Is the Projected Medicare Part B 2026 Premium?
The 2026 standard premium for Medicare Part B is expected to be:
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$206.50/month (projected by the Medicare Trustees Report)
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An increase of $21.50/month from 2025
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Annual total: $2,478 per enrollee (standard rate)
This increase reflects growing costs for outpatient services, physician care, and Medicare’s share of drug-related spending.
IRMAA: Income-Based Premiums for Higher Earners
If your income is above a certain threshold, you may pay more for Medicare Part B due to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). While the 2026 brackets are not yet finalized, here’s what you can expect based on previous years:
| Filing Status | Income Range (2024 tax year) | Estimated 2026 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Individual: ≤ $103,000 Joint: ≤ $206,000 |
Standard rate | $206.50 |
| Individual: $103,001–$129,000 Joint: $206,001–$258,000 |
+ IRMAA | $295–$340+ (estimated) |
| Individual: $129,001–$161,000+ | + Higher IRMAA | $400–$600+ (estimated) |
Tip: Your 2026 premium is based on your 2024 IRS-reported income (two years prior). If you’ve had a life event (retirement, divorce, loss of income), you may qualify for an IRMAA appeal.
Why Is the Premium Increasing?
Several factors contribute to the premium hike:
Increased utilization of Part B services (doctor visits, outpatient care)
Higher drug and technology costs
Longer life expectancy and more beneficiaries entering Medicare
Legislative changes from the Inflation Reduction Act that affect how Medicare covers certain medications
How to Prepare for the Medicare Part B 2026 Costs
Review your income: Plan ahead if you’re approaching IRMAA thresholds.
Estimate your total Medicare expenses: Include Part B, Part D, and Medigap or Advantage plan premiums.
Consider tax-smart withdrawals: Roth conversions and HSAs can help reduce MAGI and IRMAA impact.
Work with a Medicare advisor: Get help finding the right plan that fits your budget and needs.
When Will the 2026 Premium Be Finalized?
The official 2026 Medicare Part B premium will be announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in October 2025. Subscribe to updates or check with a licensed Medicare agent to stay informed.
✅ Key Takeaways
The standard Medicare Part B 2026 premium is projected at $206.50/month.
Higher-income earners will pay more under IRMAA.
Early planning and income management can help avoid premium shocks.
Need Help Navigating Medicare in 2026?
Contact a licensed Medicare advisor at Medicare Planning for personalized help. We make Medicare simple—so you can focus on enjoying retirement.