By Barbara Wilcox, SHIP Counselor
CMS has announced increases in Medicare costs for 2026, something that happens most years. The good news is that we got a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in our Social Security benefits for 2026. The higher Social Security payment helps offset the increases in Medicare costs. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may see your Social Security net monthly benefit go up, go down, or stay about the same.
Here is a summary of 2026 amounts, compared to 2025, for the Medicare costs most people pay.
| 2025 | 2026 | |
| Part A Deductible (per benefit period of hospitalization) | $1,676.00 | $1,736.00 |
| Part B Monthly Premium | $185.00 | $202.90 |
| Part B Annual Deductible | $257.00 | $283.00 |
Higher Costs for Higher Income – IRMAA
People who are lucky enough to qualify for high income status have to pay higher premiums for both Part B and Part D (prescription drug coverage). This is called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). The government looks at your most recent income tax return (2024) to see if you have to pay a higher amount in 2026, and how much you will pay. The amount you would pay has increased from the 2025 amounts. The brackets have also changed so that you can earn more money before you have to start paying IRMAA. Here are the 2026 numbers, based on an individual income tax return. Double the income amounts if you are married and filed a joint return. (There are different tables for married people filing separate tax returns and for people on immunosuppressive drugs. See CMS.gov and search for IRMAA).
Part B Premiums Adjusted for Income
| Modified Adjusted Gross Income (2024 tax return) | 2026 Part B Premium |
| $109,000 or less | $202.90 |
| Above $109,000 and up to $137,000 | $284.10 |
| Above $137,000 and up to $171,000 | $405.80 |
| Above $171,000 and up to $205,000 | $527.50 |
| Above $205,000 and up to $500,000 | $649.20 |
| Above $500,000 ($750,00 if married & filed joint return) | $689.90 |
Part D Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)
Added to premium of your Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan.
| Modified Adjusted Gross Income (2024 tax return) | 2026 Part D Monthly Adjustment Amount |
| $109,000 or less | $0.00 |
| Above $109,000 and up to $137,000 | $14.50 |
| Above $137,000 and up to $171,000 | $37.50 |
| Above $171,000 and up to $205,000 | $60.40 |
| Above $205,000 and up to $500,000 | $83.30 |
| Above $500,000 ($750,00 if married & filed joint return) | $91.00 |
Q. How do I know how much I’m paying in 2026?
A. The monthly premium amounts, including any IRMAA you may owe due to high income, are shown on the annual statement that you received from Social Security in late November or early December. These amounts are withheld from your monthly Social Security benefits. If you are not drawing Social Security, then Social Security bills you for the amounts you owe.
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To download a printable document of this post follow this link: https://ctlretirees.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Medicare-Costs-in-2026.pdf
Categories: Medicare News
