Medicare-related costs going up again in 2026.
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On November 14, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the premiums, deductibles and costs for Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, medical insurance, for 2026. This is the latest that CMS has released the updates in a few years. The 2023 costs were announced on September 27 and, every year since, it’s been a little later. No doubt the government shutdown had an impact.
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know as you start planning for next year.
Costs That Apply to Every Beneficiary
Part B, medical insurance, premium: The 2026 monthly premium will be $202.90, an increase of $17.90 or 9.7%. Many seniors are concerned because the 2026 cost-of living-adjustment (COLA) is only 2.8%.
Income-related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA): Higher-income beneficiaries pay more for Part B and Part D, prescription drug coverage.
• The 2026 thresholds will be $109,000 for a single filer or a married individual filing separately, and $218,000 for a married individual filing a joint return. This year, the thresholds are $106,000 and $212,000, respectively.
• After crossing the threshold, the monthly amounts for Part B IRMAA (paid in addition to the standard premium) will range from $81.20-$487, an increase of $7.20-$43.10.
• The range for additional premiums for Part D IRMAA will be $14.50-$91. This year, the range is $13.70-$85.80.
(Find the IRMAA details for 2026 here.)
Part A, hospital insurance: Most beneficiaries qualify for premium-free Part A, hospital insurance. That’s because they or a spouse worked at least 10 years and earned 40 credits. Anyone who has not earned enough credits must pay a monthly premium for Part A.
• If a beneficiary has at least 30 credits (or a spouse who does), the premium will be $311 in 2026, up $26.
• Those with fewer than 30 credits will see a $47 increase, up to $565.
Part D deductible: In 2026, this will be $615, compared to $590 in 2025. Plans can set any amount from zero up to the maximum.
Original Medicare Costs
Beneficiaries who chose Part A and Part B, with or without a Medicare supplement plan (Medigap policy), will face increased cost sharing in 2026.
• The Part A hospital deductible will be $1,736, an increase of $60.
• The copayment for days 21-100 in a skilled nursing facility increases $7.50, to $217.
• The Part B deductible will go from $257 to $283, up $26.
Medicare Advantage Costs
Medicare Advantage members do not pay the Original Medicare costs noted above. That’s because these plans set their own cost sharing (deductibles, copayments and coinsurance) for SNF stays, hospitalization, and all medical services. An important cost for them is the 2026 out-of-pocket maximum limit, the most a member will have to pay out-of-pocket for covered services. The 2026 limits for in-network services will be $9,250 and for in- and out-of-network combined, $13,900. Both are down $100 from this year.
No one really wants to pay more but the reality is that cost increases are basically unavoidable because of increasing utilization of services, particularly for those with chronic conditions, and rising medical costs.
The best thing we can do is establish a budget and cross our fingers.
