Medicare confirms second-largest increase in its history for 2026: Who’s affected

The US government announced The second largest dollar increase in insurance premiums Medicare Part B Since the creation of the program, with An increase of approximately 10% will bring the monthly standard value to $202.90 in 2026.. Millions of seniors and people with disabilities will see the change reflected directly in their Social Security or Railroad Retirement checks starting next January.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officially announced on November 14, 2025 New cost system for next year. the Part B standard monthly premiumWhich covers doctor visits, outpatient services, permanent equipment and other treatments outside the hospital, It will rise from US$185 in 2025 to US$202.90 in 2026.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will rise by $17.90 in 2026freepik

This represents an increase of $17.90 per month, or, in other words, an additional $214.80 per year per beneficiary. It is the second largest increase, down from the $21.60 recorded in 2022, when it went from $148.50 to $170.10.

he The annual Part B deductible also increases: From US$257 in 2025 to US$283 in 2026This means members will have to pay an additional $26 before 80% coverage kicks in.

As CMS itself explains, the increase primarily responds to two factors:

but, The agency stressed that the increase could have been greater. Without specific intervention on spending on skin replacements (an item whose costs have skyrocketed), the monthly premium would have risen by an additional $11.

Thanks to changes made to the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, This cost is expected to be reduced by 90% without affecting the quality of care..

Medicare Part Awhich covers He stays in the hospitalstays in skilled nursing, palliative care and rehabilitation facilities, It will score a significant increase in your discount.

By 2026, beneficiaries You will pay US$1,736 For the benefit period, an increase of $60 compared to the $1,676 set for 2025. This amount covers the costs of the first 60 days of hospitalization.

From day 61 to day 90members will face a daily coinsurance of $434, while lifetime reserve days are set at $868 per day.

CMS also confirmed that coinsurance for skilled nursing facility stays between days 21 and 100 has been raised to $217, up from $209.50 the previous year.

Your Medicare Part A (hospitalization) deductible will increase by $60123RF

Although About 99% of members don’t pay a premium for Part A because of their years of contributionsthose who have not reached 40 quarters of covered employment will face significant increases.

Those with at least 30 quarters of contributions, or married to someone with at least 30 quarters of contributions, will pay a reduced premium of $311 per month, $26 more than in 2025.

Conversely, those without adequate coverage, including some seniors and people with disabilities, will pay the full premium, which has remained at $565 per month, an increase of $47 year over year.

its affiliates Prescription drug plans (Part D) with High income They will also encounter Additional settings Which is added to the premium of the chosen plan. Since 2011, this component requires an additional monthly payment for members with greater resources.

High-income prescription drug plan enrollees (Part D) will face additional fees in 2026Shutterstock – Shutterstock

The content management system confirmed this By 2026, increases will range from $14.50 and 91 USDwhich These will be added to your regular plan premiumsThe costs vary depending on the company. These adjustments will be deducted directly from Social Security benefit payments or paid through direct payments to Medicare, the agency said.