The Truth About 2026 Medicare Costs Will Shock You
Planning your healthcare budget is a key part of a secure retirement. Here is a clear breakdown of the projected Medicare costs for 2026 to help you prepare for the coming year.
Part A (Hospital Insurance) Costs
- Premium: Most people get Part A premium-free. If you don’t qualify, premiums could be up to $505 per month in 2026.
- Inpatient Hospital Deductible: This is the amount you pay for each benefit period before Medicare starts to pay. For 2026, this is $1,700, a slight increase from 2025.
Part B (Medical Insurance) Costs
- Standard Monthly Premium: The standard Part B premium is a key cost for all enrollees. For 2026, it is $180.50 per month.
- Annual Deductible: Before Part B starts paying, you must meet your annual deductible. This is $250 for 2026.
*Note: If your income is above a certain threshold, you will pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which is an additional charge added to your Part B and Part D premiums. For example, individuals with an income above $103,000 may pay more.*
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Costs
- Average Monthly Premium: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 additional premiums, but you must still pay your Part B premium. The average monthly premium for plans that do charge one is expected to remain low and stable in 2026, at around $15.00.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Even small cost increases can impact a fixed income. By understanding these projections now, you can:
- Review your budget for the upcoming year.
- Start comparing plans during the next Open Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2025).
- Avoid surprises when your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) arrives in September.
Stay tuned to Medicare.social for more updates. We’ll break down the numbers so you can make the smartest choice for your health and wallet.
