What does Medicare cost in 2026?
Premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and the income surcharge called IRMAA — here are the real 2026 numbers, plus the gaps most people don’t see coming.
Medicare isn’t free — but it’s manageable.
Most people get Part A premium-free because they paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B has a monthly premium — $202.90 in 2026 for most people — plus deductibles and coinsurance. Part D (drugs) has its own costs, and higher earners pay an extra surcharge called IRMAA.
Here’s the part that catches people off guard: Original Medicare has no yearly out-of-pocket limit on its own. That 20% you’d pay after deductibles has no ceiling — which is exactly why most people add a Supplement or choose Medicare Advantage. Let’s walk through the actual numbers.
Explore the cost of each part.
Tap each part to see its actual 2026 costs, straight from CMS. These update every year.
Part A — Hospital Costs (2026)
Part B — Medical Costs (2026)
Part D — Drug Costs (2026)
Help With Costs (2026)
The gap that surprises people
Because Original Medicare has no yearly out-of-pocket maximum, a single serious illness could leave you paying 20% of very large bills with no ceiling. A Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan is how you close that gap — and choosing the right one is exactly what we help you do, free.
Want to know your real out-of-pocket costs?
A licensed advisor will show you exactly what you’d pay under each option for your ZIP code — free, and with no pressure.
IRMAA: the income-related surcharge.
If your income is above a certain level, you pay an extra amount on top of your Part B and Part D premiums. It’s called IRMAA — the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount — and it’s based on your tax return from two years ago.
Most people don’t pay IRMAA — it only applies above the income thresholds. If you do cross the line, a surcharge is added to your premiums, based on your tax return from two years ago. Use the checker below to see where you’d land.
Good news — you pay the standard 2026 Part B premium with no IRMAA. That’s the case for most people.
You’re in the first IRMAA tier — $284.10/month for Part B, plus a small Part D surcharge. A life-changing event may reduce it.
You’re in the second IRMAA tier — $405.80/month for Part B, plus a Part D surcharge. A recent income drop may qualify you for a reduction.
You’re in the third IRMAA tier — $527.50/month for Part B, plus a Part D surcharge. Planning around these cliffs can save real money.
At the highest levels, Part B runs $649 to $689.90/month, plus the largest Part D surcharge. Income planning matters most here.
Why most people add a Medicare Supplement.
Remember that gap — no yearly out-of-pocket limit on Original Medicare? A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) is how you close it. Here’s what that actually does for you.
A cap on what you’ll ever pay
Instead of an open-ended 20% with no ceiling, a Supplement like Plan G covers nearly everything after one small yearly deductible. Your exposure becomes predictable — no nasty surprises after a hospital stay.
Keep any doctor, anywhere
No networks. See any doctor or specialist in the country that accepts Medicare — and keep the ones you already trust. Travel or snowbird freely; your coverage comes with you.
Fewer bills, less paperwork
With most gaps covered automatically, you deal with far fewer surprise statements. You get care, Medicare and your Supplement handle the rest.
Peace of mind that lasts
A serious illness won’t wreck your budget. For many people — especially those with ongoing conditions or who value certainty — that predictability is worth everything.
Is a Supplement right for you?
It’s not the only answer — Medicare Advantage fits some people better. The right choice depends on your doctors, medications, and budget. Let’s find yours, free.
How people control their Medicare costs.
Understanding the numbers is step one. Here’s how to protect yourself from them.
Medicare Supplements
A Medigap plan fills the gaps Original Medicare leaves — capping your exposure with predictable costs.
Explore MedigapAdvantage vs. Supplement
See how the two paths handle costs differently, and which fits your budget and health.
Compare the twoFind My Medicare Match
Answer a few questions and see which path controls your costs best — in 2 minutes.
Take the quizCost questions, answered.
How much is Medicare per month in 2026?
What is the Medicare Part B deductible for 2026?
What is IRMAA?
Does Medicare have an out-of-pocket maximum?
Can I lower my Medicare costs?
Let’s find the coverage that keeps your costs down.
A licensed May River advisor shows you your real numbers under each option and helps you choose — free, and with no pressure.
(843) 227-6725