How much did Medicare Part B go up?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is free of a monthly premium for most seniors who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).

Medicare is not entirely free, and no single part covers everything without other potential out-of-pocket costs. Here is how the costs break down by part:

Premium-Free vs. Paid Parts of Medicare

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): $0 monthly premium for about 99% of seniors who have enough work history. However, it still has a deductible ($1,736 per benefit period in 2026) and coinsurance for long hospital or skilled nursing stays. If you lack the required work credits, you can buy Part A for a monthly fee.
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Not free. Most people pay a standard monthly premium ($202.90 in 2026), plus an annual deductible and 20% coinsurance for most doctor services.
• Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Sometimes $0 plan premium. These are private plans, and some feature a $0 additional monthly charge, but you must still pay your standard Part B premium.
• Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Not automatically free, though private plan prices vary.

How to Get Help With Costs

• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): If you have a low income, your state may pay for your Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.
• Extra Help Program: Low-income seniors can get assistance with prescription drug costs through the federal Extra Help program, which lowers or eliminates Part D premiums and deductibles.

Medicare Part B premiums increase when your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $109,000 for single filers or $218,000 for married couples filing jointly.

This extra cost is called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

How IRMAA Works

• Two-Year Lookback: Your 2026 premiums use your tax return from two years prior (2024).
• Tiered Surcharges: Going even slightly over the threshold moves you into a higher pricing bracket.
• Standard vs. Maximum: The standard 2026 monthly Part B premium is $202.90 for incomes at or below the threshold. For incomes over $500,000 (individual) or $750,000 (joint), premiums rise to a maximum of $689.90 per month.

You can check official details or file an appeal for life-changing events through the Social Security Administration.

No, Medicare Part B is not free at age 65.

Part B Costs

• Monthly Premium: Most people pay a standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance), which is $202.90 per month. Higher-income earners may pay a higher amount.
• Deductible and Coinsurance: You also have a yearly deductible and typically pay 20% coinsurance for most doctor services and outpatient care.

What is Free?

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): This is usually premium-free if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).

You can review complete details on official fees at the Official Medicare Costs Page.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care, routine vision care, hearing aids, long-term custodial care, and health care received overseas.

Major Uncovered Services in 2026

• Most dental care: Original Medicare does not pay for routine cleanings, checkups, fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, or dentures.
• Routine vision care: Regular eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses are excluded, though treatments for medical eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma are covered.
• Hearing aids: Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine exams used to fit them.
• Long-term care: Extended nursing home care or custodial care (help with daily personal activities like bathing or dressing) is not covered outside of limited short-term skilled nursing rehabilitation.
• Overseas coverage: Medical care received outside of the United States and its territories is generally excluded, with rare exceptions like emergencies on cruise ships close to a U.S. port.

President Trump’s major legislative and administrative actions—including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in July 2025 and recent executive announcements—introduce several key changes and financial impacts for Medicare enrollees.

Direct Rebates and Premium Assistance

• One-Time $90 Payments: The administration announced a one-time $90 payment for more than 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees to help offset standard monthly premiums ($202.90).
• Funding Source: This money comes from the previously unused federal Medicare Improvement Fund.
• Exclusions: Enrollees whose Part B premiums are paid by Medicaid or who pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) do not qualify.

Prescription Drug Coverage Changes

• End of Part D Subsidies: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will end the temporary Medicare Part D premium stabilization subsidy program after 2026.
• Higher Premiums Expected: Policy analysts and state officials warn that losing these subsidies will likely raise monthly prescription drug premiums for millions of stand-alone Part D plan enrollees starting in 2027.
• Negotiation Adjustments: The legislation modifies certain drug price negotiation provisions, including exemptions for specific orphan drugs.

Legislative Program Adjustments (One Big Beautiful Bill Act)

• Eligibility Restrictions: The law restricts Medicare eligibility for certain lawfully present immigrants and terminates coverage for specific non-citizen groups.
• Low-Income Savings Delays: Implementation of specific low-income savings improvements under the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is delayed significantly.
• Expanded HSA Rules: The legislation allows individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A to contribute to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) without tax penalties.
• Broader Care and Facility Impacts: Analysts note that accompanying deep cuts to Medicaid—which many seniors rely on for long-term care and nursing home services—could indirectly increase healthcare strains for older adults.