The 2026 Part B premium jumped to $202.90 a month. Here is what that means for your budget.
What is the standard 2026 Part B premium?
The standard 2026 Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, an increase of $17.90 over the $185.00 charged in 2025. Most people pay this exact amount, and it is usually deducted directly from your Social Security check before you receive it. CMS sets the premium each year to cover roughly 25% of expected Part B costs, with the increase driven mainly by projected price changes and rising use of covered services. If you are new to Medicare or your premium looks different than expected, call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) to confirm your amount.
Who pays more than $202.90 for Part B?
If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint) on your 2024 tax return, you pay an IRMAA surcharge on top of the $202.90 base. These surcharges rise across five income tiers, with the highest-income beneficiaries paying a total Part B premium of $689.90 per month in 2026. Social Security notifies you by mail if IRMAA applies. If your income recently dropped due to retirement or another life event, you can appeal using Form SSA-44.