When someone passes away, their belongings do not automatically transfer to loved ones overnight. A…
Medicare Part B standard monthly premiums and annual deductibles are on the rise again for 2026, continuing the upward trend seen over the last few years.
In the fact sheet released about the updated numbers, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlined the following changes for 2026:
Medicare Part B Changes
Medicare Part B enrollees will pay a standard monthly premium of $202.90 come 2026 (up $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025). (Note that beneficiaries who have higher incomes typically have a higher premium.)
The Part B annual deductible is rising to $283 in 2026 (an increase of $26 from $257 in 2025). Part B enrollees must cover all costs until they meet this deductible; Medicare then pays for most of the remaining fees.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors and people with qualifying disabilities. Medicare Part B specifically focuses on covering such services as medically necessary visits to doctors, outpatient medical treatments, ground ambulance transport, and preventative care, including vaccines.
Updates to Medicare Part A Charges
The deductible for Medicare Part A will also see an increase of about 3.6 percent, rising from $1,676 in 2025 up to $1,736 in 2026. Note that most people end up paying no premium for Part A because they (or their spouse) paid Medicare taxes throughout the years they were employed.
Part A relates to medical care in institutions such as inpatient hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, in addition to other settings. If you’re an enrollee and are admitted to a hospital, Medicare Part A will pay for your expenses for the first 60 days, after you pay your deductible. If you go to a skilled nursing facility, Part A covers the first 20 days. After that, you’ll have the following co-pays:
- Co-payment for hospital stay, days 61 to 90 = $434 per day in 2026 (up from $419 in 2025)
- Co-payment for hospital stay, days 91 and beyond = $868 per day in 2026 (an increase from $838 in 2025)
- Co-payment for skilled nursing facility, days 21 to 100 = $217 per day in 2026 (up from $209.50 in 2025)
Medicare Open Enrollment
Each fall, from October 15 to December 7, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period takes place. During this time, you can enroll in a plan or make changes to your existing plan.
