2026 Medicare Premiums Announced, Last Weeks of Open Enrollment

Last week, CMS released the 2026 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Part A and Part B, and the 2026 income-related monthly adjustment amounts for Part D. These amounts are set according to formulas in the Medicare law and depend on historical and projected health care costs.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $202.90 a month for 2026, an increase of $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025. The Medicare Part B deductible, or the amount beneficiaries must pay out of pocket before coverage begins, will be $283 in 2026, an increase of $26 from 2025. The Part A deductible will be $1,736, an increase of $60.

Most beneficiaries do not pay a premium for Part A, and those who do pay varied amounts depending on their work history. For people who pay the full Part A premium, that amount will increase by $47, to $565 a month.

These premium increases are lower than some projections, but they still represent a significant increase of 10%. Combined with an average COLA, this hike could put added strain some beneficiaries’ budgets, or at least dampen excitement about the raise.

Certainly, premium costs, alongside expected out-of-pocket spending at the doctor’s office, pharmacy, and hospitals are top of mind as people with Medicare approach the last weeks of the Fall Open Enrollment period, where they can compare and make changes to their Part D or Medicare Advantage Enrollment. Ending December 7, this period marks the best opportunity for people to ensure they are enrolled in the right plan for their health and financial needs in 2026.

Further Reading

Read the CMS fact sheet.