Medicare Part B

2026 premiums, deductibles, and covered services explained. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for help.

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Quick answer

Medicare Part B is the medical portion of Original Medicare, covering doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. The standard 2026 premium is $202.90 per month with a $283 annual deductible; Part B then pays about 80% of approved costs (CMS).

Part B is the half of Original Medicare that handles your everyday medical care. Here is what it costs in 2026 and what it pays for.

What does Medicare Part B cost in 2026?

The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, with a $283 annual deductible (CMS). Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA), based on the income reported on your tax return from two years prior. After you meet the deductible, Part B generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay the remaining 20% with no annual out-of-pocket cap. A MEDIGAP plan can cover most of that 20%. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to estimate your costs.

Why does the 20% coinsurance matter?

Because Part B has no out-of-pocket maximum, that 20% coinsurance can add up fast during a serious illness, surgery, or cancer treatment. There is no ceiling on what you might owe. This open-ended exposure is the single biggest reason seniors buy a Medicare Supplement (MEDIGAP) plan, which can pay most or all of that 20% and give you predictable monthly costs. To see how a MEDIGAP plan limits your Part B exposure, call 1-800-MEDIGAP for a free comparison.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Medicare Part B cover?+

Part B covers medically necessary doctor visits, outpatient hospital care, lab tests, X-rays, durable medical equipment, mental health services, and many preventive services like annual wellness visits and screenings. It does not cover most prescription drugs you take at home, which Part D handles.

How much is Medicare Part B in 2026?+

The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 per month, an increase from $185.00 in 2025, with a $283 annual deductible (CMS). Higher earners pay more through IRMAA surcharges based on income from two years earlier.

Is Medicare Part B mandatory?+

Part B is not strictly mandatory, but delaying it without other creditable coverage triggers a permanent late-enrollment penalty of 10% for each 12-month period you could have had it. If you have employer coverage while working, you may delay it penalty-free. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to confirm.

Can I delay Part B if I am still working?+

Yes. If you or your spouse have active employer group coverage from a job with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without penalty and enroll later through a Special Enrollment Period. Verify the rules first by calling 1-800-MEDIGAP.

Does a MEDIGAP plan cover the Part B coinsurance?+

Yes. Every standardized Medicare Supplement (MEDIGAP) plan covers the Part B 20% coinsurance, which is one of the most valuable benefits since Part B has no out-of-pocket cap. Some plans also cover the Part B deductible. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare plans.

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