Quick Answer
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA surcharges. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer Part B Giveback benefits that can reduce your premium.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Part B Premium (2026) | $202.90/month | Applies to most beneficiaries with income ≤$106,000 (single) or ≤$212,000 (married) |
| IRMAA Tier 1 | $284.00/month | Income $106,001–$133,500 (single) or $212,001–$267,000 (married) |
| IRMAA Tier 2 | $405.80/month | Income $133,501–$167,000 (single) or $267,001–$334,000 (married) |
| IRMAA Tier 3 (highest) | $609.90/month | Income above $500,000 (single) or $750,000 (married) |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Standard Part B Premium
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month, an increase of $17.90 from the 2025 premium of $185.00. This premium is typically deducted directly from your Social Security check.
Part B covers outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and some home health services. The 2026 annual deductible is $283 (up from $257 in 2025).
What It Covers
- Doctor and outpatient services
- Preventive care and screenings
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
- Mental health services
- Some home health care
What It Doesn't Cover
- Prescription drugs (covered by Part D)
- Dental, vision, and hearing (most cases)
- Long-term custodial care
- Cosmetic surgery
Most beneficiaries pay the standard $202.90/month. Premium is deducted from Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement benefits.
IRMAA Surcharges (Higher Income)
If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years ago exceeds certain thresholds, you'll pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium. Social Security uses your tax return from 2 years prior to determine your bracket.
You can appeal IRMAA if you've experienced a life-changing event such as retirement, divorce, death of a spouse, or loss of income-producing property. File Form SSA-44 with supporting documentation.
What It Covers
- Same Part B benefits as standard premium
- No difference in coverage regardless of premium tier
- Appeal rights for life-changing events
What It Doesn't Cover
- No additional benefits for paying higher premiums
- IRMAA does not reduce your deductible or coinsurance
- Does not count toward out-of-pocket maximum
IRMAA Appeal
If you retired, divorced, or had another qualifying life-changing event, you can request a reduction by filing Form SSA-44 with Social Security.
Part B Giveback Plans
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a Part B premium reduction (Giveback) benefit. These plans use a portion of their CMS rebate to reduce your monthly Part B premium by up to $202.90 per month.
Giveback amounts vary by plan and location, typically ranging from $50 to $175 per month. The reduction appears as a higher Social Security check since less is deducted for Part B.
What It Covers
- Reduces your monthly Part B premium
- Savings appear in your Social Security check
- Available in many areas through MA plans
- Can reduce premium to $0 in some cases
What It Doesn't Cover
- Not available in all areas
- Must enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan
- Giveback amount varies by plan
- May have network restrictions
2026 Part B Premium & IRMAA Brackets
| Income (Single) | Income (Married) | Monthly Premium | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤$106,000 | ≤$212,000 | $202.90 | $2,434.80 |
| $106,001–$133,500 | $212,001–$267,000 | $284.00 | $3,408.00 |
| $133,501–$167,000 | $267,001–$334,000 | $405.80 | $4,869.60 |
| $167,001–$200,000 | $334,001–$400,000 | $527.50 | $6,330.00 |
| >$500,000 | >$750,000 | $609.90 | $7,318.80 |
✦ Important: Late Enrollment Penalty
Part B Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP)
If you don't sign up for Part B when first eligible and don't have creditable employer coverage, you'll pay a 10% penalty for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't. This penalty is added to your premium permanently.
Example: If you delayed Part B for 3 years without creditable coverage, your premium increases by 30% for life - that's an extra $60.87/month in 2026.
✦ 2026 Part B Premium Changes
2026 Standard Premium Increase
PassedCMS announced the 2026 Part B premium of $202.90/month, a $17.90 increase from 2025. The increase reflects rising healthcare costs and expanded coverage for obesity medications.
Part B Deductible Increase
PassedThe annual Part B deductible increased to $283 in 2026, up $26 from $257 in 2025.
Medicare Savings Programs Expansion
PendingProposed legislation would expand Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) income thresholds, allowing more beneficiaries to qualify for help paying Part B premiums.
Ways to Reduce Your Part B Premium
There are several strategies to lower your Medicare Part B costs depending on your income level and plan choices.
Premium Reduction Checklist
- Check if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI) - these programs pay your Part B premium partially or fully
- Consider a Medicare Advantage plan with Part B Giveback benefit to reduce your monthly premium
- If you have IRMAA, file Form SSA-44 to appeal if you've had a life-changing event
- Manage your MAGI strategically - Roth conversions and capital gains timing affect your IRMAA bracket 2 years later
- Enroll on time to avoid the permanent 10% per year late enrollment penalty
- Review your income annually - if it drops, request a new IRMAA determination
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorLicensed Medicare agent specializing in Medicare costs and enrollment guidance.
Lindsay Malzone
ReviewerMedicare expert and compliance reviewer with over 10 years of experience.