Medicare Part B Deductible 2026

What the $283 Part B deductible means and how to keep it from being your only out-of-pocket surprise.

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Quick answer

The 2026 Medicare Part B deductible is $283 per year, an increase of $26 from $257 in 2025. You pay this once per calendar year before Medicare covers its share of outpatient care, then owe 20% coinsurance, per CMS.gov.

The 2026 Part B deductible is $283. Here is how it works and how to cover it.

How does the 2026 Part B deductible work?

The Medicare Part B deductible for 2026 is $283 per calendar year, up $26 from $257 in 2025. You pay this amount out of pocket for covered outpatient services — doctor visits, lab tests, X-rays, and durable medical equipment — before Medicare starts paying its share. You only pay it once per year, not per visit. After you meet the $283 deductible, you generally owe 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most Part B services, and Original Medicare pays the other 80%. There is no annual out-of-pocket cap under Original Medicare by itself.

Can a Medigap plan cover the Part B deductible?

It depends on the plan. Medigap Plan F covers the Part B deductible, but Plan F is only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Most newly eligible beneficiaries choose Plan G, which covers everything Plan F does except that $283 Part B deductible — so you pay the $283 yourself, then Plan G covers the rest, including the 20% coinsurance. Plan N is another popular option with small copays. To see which plan fits your budget, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) for real quotes.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare Part B deductible for 2026?+

The 2026 Medicare Part B deductible is $283 per year, an increase of $26 from $257 in 2025. You pay it once per calendar year before Medicare covers its share of outpatient services like doctor visits and lab tests.

Do I pay the Part B deductible every visit?+

No. The $283 Part B deductible is an annual amount, not per visit. Once your covered outpatient costs add up to $283 in a calendar year, you have met the deductible and pay only your share (typically 20% coinsurance) for the rest of the year.

After the deductible, what do I pay for Part B?+

After meeting the $283 deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most Part B services, and Original Medicare pays 80%. There is no annual out-of-pocket maximum under Original Medicare, which is why many people add Medigap coverage.

Which Medigap plans cover the Part B deductible?+

Only Plan F and Plan C cover the Part B deductible, and both are limited to people eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plan G covers everything except the $283 deductible. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare which plan suits you.

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