How Much Does Medicare Cost in 2026?
Medicare costs include premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance across Parts A, B, C, and D. Here are the official 2026 figures and what they mean for your budget.
2026 Medicare Premium Chart
| Medicare Part | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Coinsurance / Copay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A (Hospital) | $0 (most people) | $1,736/benefit period | Days 61–90: $434/day; Days 91+: $868/day |
| Part B (Medical) | $202.90/month | $283/year | 20% of Medicare-approved amount |
| Part C (Medicare Advantage) | Varies ($0–$100+) | Varies by plan | Varies; annual OOP max required |
| Part D (Drugs) | Avg ~$35–$55/month | Up to $615/year | $2,000 OOP cap (2025+) |
Medicare Part A Cost
Most people pay $0/month for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you don't meet the work requirement, you can still enroll but will pay up to $565/month in 2026.
The Part A deductible is $1,736 per benefit period — not per year. A benefit period begins when you're admitted to a hospital and ends 60 days after discharge. If you're readmitted after 60 days, a new benefit period begins and you owe the deductible again.
Medicare Part B Cost
The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90/month. After meeting the $283 annual deductible, Medicare pays 80% of covered services and you pay 20% — with no out-of-pocket cap. This 20% coinsurance is unlimited, which is why many beneficiaries add a Medigap supplement plan.
Medicare Costs and IRMAA (Higher-Income Surcharges)
If your income was above $103,000 (individual) or $206,000 (married filing jointly) in 2024, you will pay higher Part B and Part D premiums in 2026 through IRMAA surcharges. IRMAA is based on your tax return from 2 years prior.
Lower Your Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs
A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can cover most or all of Medicare's cost-sharing, giving you predictable costs for a monthly premium. Plan G is the most popular choice in 2026.