What does Medicare actually cost in 2026?
Medicare costs shifted in 2026 across all four parts. The standard Part B premium climbed again, IRMAA brackets adjusted for inflation, and Part D now has a hard $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap — one of the biggest changes in years. Here's exactly what each part costs.
Part A — Hospital Coverage
Part B — Medical Coverage
2026 IRMAA Brackets — Part B
Full IRMAA guideIRMAA is based on your income from 2 years ago. In 2026, Medicare uses your 2024 tax return. If your income dropped significantly, you can appeal using Form SSA-44.
| 2024 Income — Individual | 2024 Income — Joint | Part B Premium | IRMAA Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 | ≤ $218,000 | $202.90/mo | None (base rate) |
| $109,001 – $137,000 | $218,001 – $274,000 | $284.10/mo | +$81.20/mo |
| $137,001 – $171,000 | $274,001 – $342,000 | $405.80/mo | +$202.90/mo |
| $171,001 – $205,000 | $342,001 – $410,000 | $527.50/mo | +$324.60/mo |
| $205,001 – $499,999 | $410,001 – $749,999 | $649.20/mo | +$446.30/mo |
| $500,000 and above | $750,000 and above | $689.90/mo | +$487.00/mo |
Hit an IRMAA bracket due to a one-time event? A home sale, Roth conversion, or RMD spike can push you into a higher bracket for a single year. You can appeal using Form SSA-44 if your income has since dropped. Learn how to appeal IRMAA →
Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
The $2,000 Part D cap is one of the biggest Medicare improvements in 20 years. Before 2025, there was no hard ceiling on drug costs. Now, once you hit $2,000 out-of-pocket, your plan covers 100% of covered drug costs for the rest of the year.
Find Out Exactly What You'll Pay in 2026
Enter your income to see your Part B premium, IRMAA surcharge if any, and savings programs that could reduce your costs.