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Quick Answer
For 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90/month (up from $185), the Part B deductible is $283 (up from $257), and the Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 (up from $1,676). A Medicare Supplement plan can help cover these increased costs.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part A Premium | $0 (most people) | Free if you or spouse paid Medicare taxes for 40+ quarters |
| Part B Premium | $202.90/month | Up from $185.00 in 2025; IRMAA surcharge may apply |
| Part A Deductible | $1,736/period | Up from $1,676 in 2025; per benefit period |
| Part B Deductible | $283/year | Up from $257 in 2025; annual deductible |
| Part B Coinsurance | 20% (no cap) | No annual limit on out-of-pocket costs |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Medicare Part a Costs in 2026
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
The Part A deductible for each hospital benefit period is $1,736 in 2026, an increase of $60 from $1,676 in 2025. After your deductible is met, you pay $0 for the first 60 days.
For days 61-90, you pay $434 per day. For Lifetime Reserve Days (91+), you pay $868 per day. Skilled nursing facility coinsurance for days 21-100 is $217 per day.
Medicare Part B Costs in 2026
Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and durable medical equipment.
The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month, a significant increase from $185.00 in 2025. The annual Part B deductible increased from $257 to $283.
After you meet the $283 deductible, you are typically responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services. This 20% coinsurance has no annual limit.
No Out-of-Pocket Cap
Unlike most private insurance, Original Medicare's 20% Part B coinsurance has no annual maximum. A serious illness could result in tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.
Medigap Plan Options and Costs
Those potential Part A and Part B costs are why many people choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to fill in the gaps left by Original Medicare.
Popular plans like Medigap Plan G will pay for your Part A deductible, your Part A coinsurance, and your 20% Part B coinsurance.
By paying a predictable monthly premium for a Medigap plan, you protect yourself from large, unexpected medical bills.
Best Protection Against Rising Costs
A Medigap plan provides the most effective way to control unpredictable healthcare costs by covering the deductibles and coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves behind.
2026 Medicare Costs at a Glance
| Cost Category | 2025 Amount | 2026 Amount | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B Monthly Premium | $185.00 | $202.90 | +$17.90 |
| Part B Annual Deductible | $257.00 | $283.00 | +$26.00 |
| Part A Hospital Deductible | $1,676.00 | $1,736.00 | +$60.00 |
| Part A Days 61-90 Coinsurance | $419/day | $434/day | +$15/day |
| Part A Lifetime Reserve Days | $838/day | $868/day | +$30/day |
| SNF Days 21-100 | $209.50/day | $217.00/day | +$7.50/day |
| Part C Max OOP | $8,850 | $9,250 | +$400 |
How Income Affects Medicare Premiums (IRMAA)
Your monthly Medicare premiums may be higher based on your income. This is called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
For 2026, IRMAA is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your 2024 tax return. The adjustment starts for individuals with a 2024 MAGI over $109,000 and for couples filing jointly over $218,000.
For example, an individual with a 2024 MAGI between $109,001 and $137,000 will pay an extra $81.20 per month for Part B, for a total monthly premium of $284.10.
Strategies to Minimize Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs
Seeing these 2026 cost increases can be concerning, but you have options to manage them effectively.
The single most effective way to control unpredictable costs is by enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. By covering the Part A deductible and the 20% Part B coinsurance, a Medigap plan provides a powerful buffer against rising healthcare expenses.
Cost Management Strategies
- •Review your coverage annually during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
- •Enroll in a Medigap plan to cover deductibles and coinsurance
- •Check eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
- •Apply for Extra Help with prescription drug costs
- •Compare Part D plans annually for the best drug coverage
- •Monitor your income to understand IRMAA implications
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is the Director of Operations for MedicareFAQ. As a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states, she is dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare.