Medicare Costs – 2026

Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing amounts are established annually under federal regulation. The figures below reflect the published 2026 cost amounts for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), as well as related prescription drug cost limits where applicable. These amounts are updated each year and apply nationwide unless otherwise specified.

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Medicare Part A Costs (2026)

Monthly Premium

Medicare Part A is premium-free for most individuals who have sufficient work history through Medicare payroll taxes (generally at least 40 quarters, or 10 years).

Individuals who do not qualify for premium-free Part A may purchase coverage and pay a monthly premium based on work history:

• $311 per month (if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 30–39 quarters)
• $565 per month (if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for fewer than 30 quarters)

Enrollment in Medicare Part B is required in order to purchase Part A.

Inpatient Hospital Deductible

• $1,736 per benefit period

There is no limit to the number of benefit periods in a calendar year. A deductible may apply more than once in a year depending on hospitalization timing.

Inpatient Hospital Coinsurance

Days 1–60: $0 after the deductible is met

Days 61–90: $434 per day

Days 91–150 (lifetime reserve days): $868 per day

After lifetime reserve days are exhausted: All costs

Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance

Days 1–20: $0

Days 21–100: $217 per day

Day 101 and beyond: All costs

Home Health Services

$0 for covered home health services

20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment (DME)

Hospice Care

$0 for covered hospice services

Up to $5 copayment for certain outpatient prescription drugs for symptom control

5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care

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Medicare Part B Costs (2026)

Monthly Premium

Standard Part B Monthly Premium: $202.90

Higher-income individuals may pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which increases the total monthly premium based on modified adjusted gross income.

The Part B premium is payable each month regardless of whether covered services are used.

Annual Deductible

• Part B Annual Deductible: $283

This deductible applies once per calendar year before Medicare begins paying its share of covered outpatient services.

General Cost Sharing (Coinsurance)

After the deductible is met, individuals typically pay:

• 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most covered services, provided the provider accepts Medicare assignment.

Clinical Laboratory Services

• $0 for covered clinical laboratory services.

Home Health Services

• $0 for covered home health services.
• 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment (DME).

Inpatient Hospital Physician Services

• 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most physician services received while admitted as a hospital inpatient.

Outpatient Mental Health Services

• $0 for an annual depression screening.
• 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for diagnostic or treatment visits with a physician or qualified mental health provider.
• Additional facility charges may apply if services are provided in a hospital outpatient department.

Partial Hospitalization (Mental Health)

After meeting the Part B deductible:

• 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for professional services.
• Coinsurance for each day of partial hospitalization services provided in a hospital outpatient or community mental health setting.

Outpatient Hospital Services

• 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for physician and provider services.
• A hospital copayment may apply for services received in a hospital outpatient setting, subject to Medicare limits.

Outpatient services provided in a hospital setting may result in higher cost-sharing than services provided in a physician’s office.

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Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)

The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an income-based premium adjustment applied to Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D. Adjustment thresholds are determined using modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from prior tax years. Individuals whose income exceeds established limits may pay a higher monthly premium.

Part B IRMAA Table (2026)

Medicare Part D Cost Structure (2026)

Medicare Part D costs vary by plan and may include a monthly premium, deductible, and cost-sharing based on formulary tier placement.

Monthly Premium

Part D premiums vary by plan. Some individuals may pay a higher amount due to an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which is based on income and is paid to Medicare in addition to the plan premium.

Deductibles, Copayments, and Coinsurance

Part D cost sharing varies by plan and pharmacy. Plan design and formulary tier structure affect:

• Whether a deductible applies
• Copayment or coinsurance amounts
• Preferred vs. non-preferred pharmacy pricing

Because these factors differ between plans, prescription drug costs may change depending on the plan selected and where prescriptions are filled.

Late Enrollment Penalty (Part D)

A late enrollment penalty may apply if an individual goes 63 consecutive days or more without creditable prescription drug coverage after becoming eligible for Part D. Penalty rules are established by federal regulation and are based on the length of time without qualifying coverage.

Part D IRMAA Table (2026)

For official Medicare publications and regulatory documentation, refer to Medicare.gov.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is based on publicly available guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It has not been reviewed or endorsed by Medicare, CMS, or any federal agency. This content does not constitute plan-specific advice. For individual coverage questions, please consult a licensed insurance professional.