NISONA Insurance Blog
How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2026?
Premiums, deductibles, IRMAA surcharges, and late enrollment penalties — everything Florida seniors need to know about Part B costs this year.
Quick answer: The standard Medicare Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month, with a $283 annual deductible. However, higher-income beneficiaries pay more due to IRMAA surcharges — and missing your enrollment window can trigger a permanent penalty.
If you’re turning 65 or approaching Medicare eligibility, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: what is this going to cost me? Medicare Part B — which covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care — comes with a monthly premium that most people pay directly from their Social Security check. But the amount you pay isn’t the same for everyone, and knowing what to expect before you enroll can help you avoid costly surprises.
What Is the Standard Medicare Part B Premium in 2026?
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month. This applies to most Medicare beneficiaries — specifically, those whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior (2024) was $109,000 or less as an individual, or $218,000 or less as a married couple filing jointly.
In addition to the monthly premium, Medicare Part B also has an annual deductible of $283 in 2026. After you meet that deductible, Medicare Part B generally covers 80% of approved services — leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%, with no out-of-pocket maximum in Original Medicare unless you have a Supplement plan.
Who Pays More? Understanding IRMAA Surcharges
Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries pay an additional surcharge on top of the standard Part B premium, known as IRMAA — the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. This is based on your income from two years ago, meaning your 2024 tax return determines your 2026 Part B premium.
| Individual MAGI (2024) | Joint MAGI (2024) | 2026 Total Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $202.90 |
| $109,001 – $137,000 | $218,001 – $274,000 | $284.10 |
| $137,001 – $171,000 | $274,001 – $342,000 | $405.80 |
| $171,001 – $205,000 | $342,001 – $410,000 | $527.50 |
| $205,001 – $499,999 | $410,001 – $749,999 | $649.20 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $689.90 |
Worth knowing: IRMAA is determined by your income from two years prior — so your 2026 premium is based on your 2024 tax return. If your income has dropped significantly since then (due to retirement, for example), you can appeal your IRMAA determination with Social Security using Form SSA-44.
The Part B Late Enrollment Penalty — and How to Avoid It
One of the most important things to understand about Medicare Part B is that missing your enrollment window can result in a permanent premium penalty. If you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible and don’t have creditable employer coverage, your premium increases by 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled — and that penalty lasts for as long as you have Medicare.
For example, if you delayed enrolling for two years without qualifying coverage, your monthly Part B premium would be 20% higher than the standard rate — permanently. At 2026 rates, that would add roughly $40/month to your premium every month for the rest of your life.
- You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starting 3 months before the month you turn 65
- If you have active employer coverage from a current employer (yours or your spouse’s), you may be able to delay Part B without penalty — learn more about Part B enrollment rules
- COBRA coverage does NOT count as creditable coverage for delaying Part B
- Retiree health coverage does NOT count as creditable coverage for avoiding the late penalty
- Once you lose qualifying employer coverage, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B penalty-free
What Does Part B Actually Cover?
Medicare Part B covers two main categories of services. Medically necessary services include doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests, durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs and walkers), mental health services, and ambulance transportation. Preventive services include annual wellness visits, flu shots, cancer screenings, cardiovascular screenings, and diabetes prevention programs — many of which are covered at no cost to you when provided by a Medicare-participating provider.
It’s important to understand what Part B doesn’t cover: routine dental care, vision exams and eyeglasses, hearing aids, and most prescription drugs are not included in Part B. These gaps are one of the primary reasons many Florida seniors choose a Medicare Supplement plan or Medicare Advantage plan to fill them.
How to Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Costs Beyond Part B
Original Medicare (Part A + Part B) covers a lot — but it leaves significant gaps, including the 20% coinsurance with no cap, the Part B deductible, and no coverage for dental, vision, or hearing. Most Florida seniors address these gaps in one of two ways:
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Works alongside Original Medicare to cover some or all of the costs Medicare doesn’t pay — like the 20% coinsurance and Part B deductible. Plan G is the most comprehensive option available to new enrollees in 2026.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Replaces Original Medicare entirely with a private plan that typically includes extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage, often with a $0 monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium.
Which option is right for you depends on your health needs, budget, and preferred doctors. A local independent advisor can compare both options side by side at no cost to you. Also see: Medicare Part A | Part D Drug Plans | New to Medicare in Florida
Questions About Your Medicare Part B Costs?
A local NISONA advisor can review your specific situation, check your IRMAA status, and help you find the right plan to cover what Part B doesn’t — at no cost to you.
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