Medicare Part B Premium 2026: $202.90 and IRMAA Brackets
Reviewed October 3, 2026. The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month, up from $185.00 in 2025. Most people pay that standard amount, but higher earners pay more through an income-related surcharge (IRMAA) that brings the total to between $284.10 and $689.90 a month. People with limited income may be able to get the premium paid by a state Medicare Savings Program.
Quick answer: 2026 Part B premium: $202.90 a month (standard). 2026 Part B deductible: $283 a year. IRMAA applies if your 2024 modified adjusted gross income was above $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (married filing jointly). The 2027 premium has not been announced yet; CMS usually publishes it in the fall.
The 2026 Part B premium at a glance
| Item | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard monthly Part B premium | $202.90 | $185.00 |
| Annual Part B deductible | $283 | $257 |
| Coinsurance after the deductible | Usually 20% | Usually 20% |
| Highest IRMAA total premium | $689.90 | $628.90 |
These figures come from the CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles fact sheet. CMS said the increase reflects projected price changes and assumed increases in how much care people use. You can see the full cost picture, including Part A and Part D, in our guide to 2026 Medicare costs.
Who pays the standard premium
Most people with Part B pay the standard $202.90 a month. Your premium can be different if:
- Your income is above the IRMAA thresholds below, so you pay a higher amount.
- You signed up for Part B late and owe a late enrollment penalty, which is added to your premium.
- You qualify for a Medicare Savings Program or full Medicaid, in which case your state may pay the premium for you.
2026 Part B IRMAA brackets
If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) on your 2024 tax return was above the limits below, you pay the standard premium plus an income-related monthly adjustment amount. About 8% of people with Part B pay IRMAA, according to CMS.
| 2024 income: individual tax return | 2024 income: joint tax return | IRMAA added | Total monthly Part B premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $0.00 | $202.90 |
| Above $109,000 up to $137,000 | Above $218,000 up to $274,000 | $81.20 | $284.10 |
| Above $137,000 up to $171,000 | Above $274,000 up to $342,000 | $202.90 | $405.80 |
| Above $171,000 up to $205,000 | Above $342,000 up to $410,000 | $324.60 | $527.50 |
| Above $205,000 and less than $500,000 | Above $410,000 and less than $750,000 | $446.30 | $649.20 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $487.00 | $689.90 |
If you’re married and file separately, the 2026 premium is $202.90 with income of $109,000 or less, $649.20 with income above $109,000 and below $391,000, and $689.90 at $391,000 or more.
Social Security decides whether you owe IRMAA using IRS data and mails you a notice. If your income dropped because of a life-changing event such as retirement, you can ask Social Security to use a more recent year with Form SSA-44. Our IRMAA and Form SSA-44 guide walks through the steps.
How you pay the Part B premium
If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, the premium is usually taken out of your monthly benefit automatically. If you don’t get those benefits yet, Medicare sends you a bill, and you can pay through your Medicare account, Medicare Easy Pay, your bank’s bill pay or by mail. See how to pay your Medicare premium for due dates and options.
Part B premium history
| Year | Standard monthly premium | Annual deductible |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $164.90 | $226 |
| 2024 | $174.70 | $240 |
| 2025 | $185.00 | $257 |
| 2026 | $202.90 | $283 |
The premium is reset every year based on projected Part B spending. For details on the yearly deductible, see our page on the 2026 Part B deductible.
The Part B late enrollment penalty
If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible and you don’t have a qualifying reason to delay (such as group coverage from current employment), you may pay a penalty for as long as you have Part B. Medicare.gov explains that the penalty is an extra 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn’t. For example, waiting two years adds 20%, or $40.58 a month in 2026, for a total of $243.50.
If you’re still working, read working past 65 and Medicare before you decide to delay, and see how to sign up for Part B when you’re ready.
Ways to lower what you pay
- Medicare Savings Programs. State programs (QMB, SLMB and QI) can pay your Part B premium if your income and resources are limited. See Medicare.gov and our Medicare Savings Program income limits guide.
- Appeal IRMAA. If your income went down after a life-changing event, ask Social Security for a new decision.
- Plan for income spikes. A large one-time withdrawal or sale can push you into a higher IRMAA bracket two years later. Consider talking to a tax professional before large transactions.
- Medicare Advantage giveback plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans reduce the Part B premium you pay. You still must keep paying Part B, and availability varies by county.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Medicare Part B premium in 2026?
The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026. Higher earners pay $284.10 to $689.90 a month depending on income.
Why did the Part B premium go up for 2026?
CMS said the increase from $185.00 to $202.90 mainly reflects projected price changes and assumed increases in the use of services.
What income is used for the 2026 IRMAA?
Social Security generally uses your modified adjusted gross income from your 2024 federal tax return.
Is the Part B premium deducted from Social Security?
Usually, yes. If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, the premium is normally withheld from your monthly payment. Otherwise you get a bill.
When will the 2027 Part B premium be announced?
CMS typically announces the next year’s Part A and Part B amounts in the fall. We’ll update this page once the official 2027 figures are published.
Can someone else pay my Part B premium?
Yes. A state Medicare Savings Program or Medicaid can pay it if you qualify, and some employers or retiree plans reimburse it. See whether your employer can pay your Medicare premiums.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or individual insurance advice. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.