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A realistic Medicare retirement budget should include much more than the Medicare Part B premium.
Medicare Part B Premium Explained: How Much Is It in 2026?
Last Modified: 10/05/2026 | Reviewed by Keith Armbrecht (NPN 634015)
Quick Summary
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026.
Most people pay the standard amount, but higher-income beneficiaries can pay more because of the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA.
You generally pay the Part B premium every month for as long as you have Part B—even if you don’t use any Part B-covered healthcare services that month.
Key Facts
- Standard 2026 Part B premium: $202.90 per month
- Part B premiums can change every year.
- Higher-income beneficiaries may pay IRMAA.
- Approximately 8% of Part B beneficiaries pay an income-related adjustment.
- Social Security often deducts the premium from monthly benefits.
- People not receiving Social Security may receive a Medicare bill.
- You continue paying Part B if you enroll in Medicare Advantage.
- A Medicare Supplement doesn’t pay your Part B premium.
- Late enrollment penalties can increase your premium.
- Medicare Savings Programs may help qualifying people pay Medicare costs.
Who Pays the Standard Part B Premium?
For 2026, beneficiaries below the first IRMAA income threshold generally pay:
$202.90 per month
For 2026, the first IRMAA threshold is generally:
$109,000 or less — individual tax return
$218,000 or less — married filing jointly
People above those income levels can pay more.
2026 Part B Premium With IRMAA
Depending on income and filing status, total 2026 Part B premiums can rise substantially above the standard amount.
For individual filers, the highest 2026 Part B premium reaches:
$689.90 per month
for beneficiaries at the highest IRMAA tier.
Why Is My Medicare Premium Higher Than $202.90?
Common reasons include:
IRMAA
or
A Part B late enrollment penalty
Those are two separate adjustments.
What Income Does Medicare Use?
Social Security generally uses tax information supplied by the IRS to determine whether an income-related adjustment applies.
The income year used is typically from an earlier tax return rather than your current month’s income.
Video Explanation from Keith
Why Is My Medicare Part B Premium So High?
Keith's Take
Many people budget for Medicare using the standard Part B premium and then get surprised when Social Security tells them their premium is much higher.
The first thing I look at is:
IRMAA.
Then I ask whether their income has recently dropped because of retirement, reduced work, divorce, death of a spouse or another qualifying life-changing event.
In some situations, the IRMAA amount can be appealed.
So don’t simply assume a higher premium is permanent.
Keith Armbrecht
Medicare on Video
Frequently Asked Questions About the Part B Premium
Q. How much is Medicare Part B in 2026?
A. $202.90 per month for the standard premium.
Q. Does everyone pay the same Part B premium?
A. No. Higher-income beneficiaries can pay more because of IRMAA.
Q. What is IRMAA?
A. An income-related adjustment added to Medicare Part B and Part D costs for certain higher-income beneficiaries.
Q. Do I still pay Part B with Medicare Advantage?
A. Yes, generally.
Q. Does Medigap pay the Part B premium?
A. No.
Q. Can my Part B premium increase if my income rises?
A. Yes.
Q. Can my premium decrease if my income falls?
A. Potentially. Your future IRMAA can decrease, and certain life-changing events may provide an opportunity to ask Social Security to use more recent income information.
Q. Is the Part B premium the same as the Part B deductible?
A. No.
The premium is a monthly cost.
The 2026 Part B deductible is $283 per year.
The premium is a monthly cost.
The 2026 Part B deductible is $283 per year.
Official Government Sources
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