$202.90Part B premium per month
$283Part B deductible
$1,736Part A deductible
$2,100Part D out-of-pocket cap
Medicare costs at a glance (2026)
| Item | 2026 cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part A premium | $0 with 40+ work quarters; $311 with 30 to 39; $565 with fewer than 30 | Most people pay nothing |
| Part A deductible | $1,736 per benefit period | Covers hospital days 1 to 60 |
| Part A coinsurance, days 61 to 90 | $434 per day | |
| Part A lifetime reserve days (91+) | $868 per day | 60 days over your lifetime |
| Skilled nursing facility, days 21 to 100 | $217 per day | Days 1 to 20 cost $0 |
| Part B premium | $202.90 per month | $2,434.80 per year |
| Part B deductible | $283 per year | Then you pay 20% of approved amounts |
| Part D drug plan | Premium varies; deductible up to $615 | Out-of-pocket spending capped at $2,100 |
What a basic year looks like
If you use only Original Medicare and stay healthy, your fixed cost is the Part B premium of $2,434.80 plus the $283 deductible, or about $2,717.80, plus any Part D premium. Anything beyond that depends on your care: Part B has no annual out-of-pocket limit, so 20% of a large bill can be large.
Higher income means higher premiums
If your income from two years ago was above $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint), you pay an income-related surcharge. In 2026 the Part B premium rises from $202.90 up to $689.90 at the top bracket. See the full table on the Part B premium and IRMAA page.
Ways to lower your costs
- Medigap or Medicare Advantage to cap or cover the 20% (see Advantage vs Original and the Medigap guide).
- Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium: see the 2026 limits.
- Extra Help cuts Part D costs: see who qualifies.
- Compare drug plans every fall during open enrollment.
- Appeal IRMAA with Form SSA-44 if your income dropped.
2027 costs are not final. CMS usually announces next year's Part B premium and deductible in November. Until then, treat any 2027 number you see as a projection.