How much does Medicare Part B cost?

Medicare Part B, sometimes called medical insurance, helps pay for the cost for doctor visits, outpatient care, and some other medical services. Medicare Part B has monthly premiums, yearly deductibles, and coinsurance. Part B costs change every year and can be different depending on your income. The following information will help explain the costs for Part B and what is covered.

Understanding your Medicare Part B costs

Medicare Part B has three main costs that most people will pay.

• Monthly premium – This is the amount you pay every month to keep your Part B coverage. In 2026, the standard monthly premium is $202.90. This may be higher based on your income.
• Annual deductible – This is the amount you must pay out of pocket each year before Medicare starts to pay for covered services. In 2026, the yearly deductible is $283.
• Coinsurance – After you meet your deductible, you typically pay 20% of the cost for doctor visits and medical services.

Medicare Part B premium costs in 2026

The standard premium for Medicare Part B in 2026 is $202.90. This is what most people will pay each month for their Part B coverage. This amount can either be taken out of your monthly Social Security check or you can pay Medicare directly. If you earn above a certain amount, you may have to pay more each month. This extra amount is called Income-Related Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

IRMAA is based on your reported income from two years ago. This means in 2026, Medicare looks at your 2024 tax return to determine if you owe more than the standard premium. The more you earn, the higher your monthly premium will be.

Here are the income brackets for individuals and married couples filing joint tax returns that determine what you pay:

Individual tax returns	Joint tax returns	Monthly Part B 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

 

Medicare Part B deductible costs in 2026

In addition to your monthly premium, you will also have to pay a yearly deductible before Medicare starts to pay for its share of the costs for care. In 2026, the annual deductible is $283. This means you must pay the first $283 of Medicare-covered services out of pocket each year. Once you meet this deductible, Medicare typically pays 80% of approved costs, and you pay the remaining 20%.

Medicare Part B coinsurance costs in 2026

After you meet your yearly deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most Part B services. It applies to things like doctor visits, outpatient care, durable medical equipment (like walkers or wheelchairs), and many preventive services. Medicare pays the other 80%, helping reduce your out-of-pocket costs for ongoing care.

When Medicare Part B costs more

Some Medicare members may pay more for their Part B if they wait too long to sign up. If you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible and don’t have credible coverage (like employer insurance coverage), you may face a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each year you were eligible but didn’t sign up. For example, if you waited two years, your penalty would be 20% and you’d pay that extra amount every month for as long as you have Part B coverage.

People with higher incomes may also pay more for Part B because of IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). This is an extra amount added to your monthly premium if your income is above a certain level. In 2026, if your income is over $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (joint), you’ll pay more each month. The amount can range from $81.20 to $487, depending on how high your income is. Medicare uses your tax returns from two years ago to determine if you owe IRMAA.

Tips to manage or reduce your Medicare Part B costs

If you’re looking to lower or manage your Medicare Part B costs, there are several ways to get help. Many people qualify for assistance programs that help pay premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Programs like the Medicare Savings Programs can help individuals with limited income and resources pay their Medicare costs.

Here are some tips to manage your Medicare Part B costs:

• Sign up on time to avoid late enrollment penalty.
• Keep your income below the IRMAA thresholds by talking to a tax advisor if your income is near a cutoff.
• Use doctors and providers that accept Medicare to avoid extra out-of-pocket charges.
• Apply for a Medicare Savings Program if you meet in the income limits.

What Medicare Part B doesn’t cover

There are services not covered by Medicare Part B that you will have to pay for out of pocket or get additional insurance coverage. Here is a list of services not covered by Part B:

• Prescription drugs (unless given during a medical procedure or in a clinical setting)
• Long-term care (custodial care in nursing homes)
• Dental care (cleanings, fillings, dentures)
• Routine eye exams and eyeglasses
• Hearing aids and exams to fit them
• Cosmetic surgery
• Acupuncture (except for certain cases like chronic low back pain)
• Routine foot care (unless it is related to a medical condition)
• Services deemed not medically necessary by Medicare

FAQs about Medicare Part B

What is the Medicare Part B premium?

The premium is the amount you pay each month for your Medicare Part B coverage. In 2026, the standard monthly premium is $202.90.

How much does Social Security take out for Medicare Part B?

If you get Social Security, your Part B premium is usually taken right out of your monthly Social Security check. The standard amount in 2026 is $202.90. This amount can be more depending on your income.

Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

No, Medicare Part B is not free. You must pay monthly premiums, yearly deductibles, and coinsurance for the cost of care after you meet your deductible.

Final thoughts on Medicare Part B costs

Medicare Part B comes with costs like monthly premiums, an annual deductible, and 20% coinsurance for most covered services. Understanding these costs can help you plan your health care budget and avoid surprises. To compare plans or chat with a Medicare Advisor to see how UPMC for Life can help manage your Medicare costs, visit Shop for Medicare Plans.