The Medicare Part B premium
$202.90 a month for most people in 2026. Here's who pays a different amount.
Almost everyone with Part B pays a monthly premium. The standard amount in 2026 is $202.90. Some people pay more because of their income, some pay less because of the hold-harmless rule, and some have it paid by their state.
Who pays more
If your modified adjusted gross income from two years earlier is above a set threshold, you pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium. In 2026 that starts above $109,000 for individuals and $218,000 for married couples filing jointly. Our IRMAA guide has the full table.
You may also pay more if you owe a late enrollment penalty.
Who pays less
- People protected by the hold-harmless rule: if your premium is deducted from your Social Security check, a Part B increase can't reduce your net benefit below the previous year's. It doesn't protect people who pay IRMAA or who are new to Medicare or Social Security.
- People who qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, whose state pays the premium.
- People who have Part B only for immunosuppressive drug coverage after a kidney transplant pay a lower premium ($121.60 a month in 2026).
How it's paid
If you get Social Security, Railroad Retirement or federal retirement benefits, the premium is usually deducted from your monthly payment. Otherwise Medicare sends a bill, which you can pay online through your Medicare account, by automatic bank deduction, or by mail. Missing payments can end your coverage.
Next year's premium
CMS usually announces the next year's premium in the fall. The 2027 premium hasn't been announced yet; the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report estimated it at $209.50, but the official figure can differ.
Common questions
Yes. You keep paying the Part B premium, plus any premium your plan charges. Some plans reduce your Part B premium as a benefit, but most don't.
It can count as a medical expense if you itemize, and self-employed people may be able to deduct it. Ask a tax professional about your situation.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Medicare costs, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.