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2w ago

Medicare Part B Premium to Rise to $202.90 in 2026

Higher projected spending on outpatient hospital care and Medicare Advantage drove the change despite a payment tweak that trimmed about $11 from the monthly rate.

Emphasis on Care. Green Type on white with care magnified. Not CGI.
Here’s a rundown of what costs are now, in 2026, so you can be better prepared to pick your plan during <a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/603551/when-is-medicare-open-enrollment">Medicare Open Enrollment (MOE)</a> this year.
File photo: a doctor examines an older patient.
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Overview

  • CMS finalized the 2026 standard Part B premium at $202.90 per month and set the annual Part B deductible at $283.
  • The increase will absorb a sizable share of the 2.8% Social Security COLA, with the average $56 monthly benefit boost reduced by the $17.90 higher premium and some beneficiaries protected by hold-harmless rules.
  • Medicare actuaries flagged the largest 2026 spending growth in outpatient hospital services at 8.9% and in Medicare Advantage at 8.7%, key contributors to higher Part B costs.
  • CMS said a recent change to how skin substitutes are paid kept the monthly Part B amount about $11 lower than earlier projections.
  • Part A costs are also rising, including a full premium of $565 for those who do not qualify for premium-free coverage and an inpatient deductible of $1,736, with higher coinsurance for longer stays.