Your income determines your Medicare premium. Here are the 2026 limits and what happens when you cross them.
What are the 2026 Medicare income limits?
Medicare income limits for 2026 are the thresholds where IRMAA surcharges begin. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is at or below $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint), you pay the standard $202.90 Part B premium with no surcharge. Above those limits, IRMAA is added in five tiers, with the top tier starting at $500,000 (single) or $750,000 (joint). These limits are based on your 2024 tax return due to Social Security's two-year lookback. There is no income limit to qualify for Medicare itself — these limits only affect what you pay.
Are there income limits to get Medicare help?
Yes, but in the opposite direction. Lower-income beneficiaries may qualify for help paying Medicare costs through Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for drug coverage. These programs have their own income and asset limits, set well below the IRMAA thresholds, and can cover your Part B premium, deductibles, and copays. Eligibility varies by state. To find out whether you qualify for assistance or need to plan for an IRMAA surcharge, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) and a licensed agent will walk you through your options.