The Medicare Part B standard monthly premium will be $202.90 in 2026, marking the first time it has crossed the $200 threshold. This represents a $17.90 increase from the 2025 premium of $185, according to an announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on November 14, 2025.
The change takes effect January 1, 2026. It means millions of Medicare beneficiaries will see higher costs automatically deducted from their Social Security checks.
Why is the premium going up? CMS adjusts Part B premiums each year based on projected healthcare costs. The 2026 increase is driven by rising healthcare prices, higher use of medical services, and overall growth in Medicare spending. According to CMS, the premium covers about 25% of Part B program costs, with the rest funded by general revenue.
The agency noted that the increase could have been worse. Medicare trustees had projected a jump of around 11.6%, or about $21.50 more per month. However, policy changes in the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule helped reduce costs. CMS said these changes cut spending on expensive “skin substitute” products by an estimated 90% without harming patient care, which helped moderate the premium hike.
The annual Part B deductible also rises to $283 in 2026, up $26 from $257 in 2025. Beneficiaries must pay this amount out-of-pocket before most Part B services are covered. After meeting the deductible, coinsurance typically applies at 20%.
Most beneficiaries—about 92%—will pay the standard $202.90 premium. However, roughly 8% of Medicare enrollees with higher incomes will pay more through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). According to CMS, IRMAA is based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from tax returns, usually two years prior. For 2026 premiums, CMS uses 2024 tax data.
IRMAA thresholds start at $109,000 for individuals or $218,000 for married couples filing jointly. Higher-income beneficiaries can pay total monthly premiums ranging from $284.10 up to $689.90 for the highest earners. IRMAA also applies to Part D drug plans, adding between $14.50 and $91.00 per month.
How does this affect Social Security benefits? The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, effective with January payments. This adds about $56 per month on average to retirement benefits.
But because Part B premiums are automatically deducted from most Social Security checks, the $17.90 premium increase offsets roughly one-third of the average COLA gain. This effectively reduces the net COLA for many beneficiaries to around 1.9% or less, even as inflation remains elevated.
“Premiums have risen faster than COLA for the third straight year,” said one Medicare policy analyst quoted by Kaiser Family Foundation. “In 2026, premiums are up 9.7% while COLA is just 2.8%.”
There is some protection for lower-income beneficiaries. The “hold-harmless” provision ensures that for current enrollees, the Part B premium increase cannot reduce their net Social Security check below the previous year’s amount after COLA. This shields beneficiaries if the premium rise would otherwise wipe out their COLA entirely.
Key facts for 2026:
- Standard Part B premium: $202.90/month
- Part B deductible: $283
- COLA increase: 2.8% (about $56/month average)
- Net COLA after premium: approximately 1.9% for many
Help is available for low-income beneficiaries. Programs like Medicare Savings Programs (through Medicaid) or Extra Help for prescription drugs can cover premiums and deductibles. More information is available at Medicare.gov or by contacting SSA directly.
Medicare Advantage enrollees still pay the Part B premium of $202.90, but many plans offset it partially through rebates. The average additional plan premium is about $14 per month in 2026, according to CMS data.
Beneficiaries will receive personalized notices from SSA in late 2025 via mail or through their my Social Security account. Those affected by IRMAA or needing assistance should contact SSA or review their tax-based determination.
For official details, visit the CMS fact sheet on 2026 premiums.
