Costs & coverage

How much does Medicare cost in 2026?

Most people pay nothing for Part A and the standard Part B premium of $202.90 a month in 2026 — more if your income is high. On top of that, what you pay depends on the coverage you add (a Medicare Advantage plan, a Part D drug plan, or a Supplement), plus deductibles and copays as you use care.

Reviewed by Scott Stafford, Licensed Insurance Agent

Last updated

Part A — usually free

Most people don't pay a premium for Part A because they paid Medicare taxes while working. You do pay a hospital deductible if you're admitted — $1,736 per benefit period in 2026 — plus daily coinsurance for long stays.

Part B — the standard premium

Part B costs $202.90 a month in 2026 for most people, with a $283 annual deductible and then a 20% share of many services. Higher earners pay more through an income surcharge called IRMAA — use the estimator below to see your number.

What you add on top

The rest depends on your path. A Part D drug plan has its own premium, a deductible up to $615, and a new $2,100 out-of-pocket cap in 2026. A Medicare Advantage plan often has a low or $0 premium (you still pay the Part B premium) and caps in-network medical costs at no more than $9,250. A Medicare Supplement adds a monthly premium in exchange for low, predictable cost-sharing.

Live · 2026 figures

What will Medicare actually cost you in 2026?

Most people pay the standard Part B premium — but a higher income adds a surcharge called IRMAA. Enter two details for an instant, plain-language estimate.

Match how you file your federal taxes.
$
Modified adjusted gross income from your 2024 tax return.

Estimate only, for educational purposes — not an application or quote. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.

Common questions

How much does Medicare cost in 2026? FAQ

Why do I pay a Part B premium if I paid Medicare taxes?
Medicare taxes fund Part A, which is why it's usually premium-free. Part B is funded partly by premiums, so nearly everyone pays the monthly amount ($202.90 in 2026), with higher earners paying an income surcharge.
What's the most I'll pay in a year?
It depends on your coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan caps in-network medical costs (no more than $9,250 in 2026), and Part D caps drug costs at $2,100. A Medigap plan keeps cost-sharing low but adds a premium.

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