What Changed in Medicare in 2026?
In 2026, Medicare Part B premiums increased to $202.90 per month, the Part D out-of-pocket drug cap rose to $2,100, and the Part A deductible increased to $1,676. Medicare Supplement plan benefits remained the same, but premiums from private insurers generally increased 3–8%.
The most significant Medicare changes in 2026 affect what beneficiaries pay for Part B coverage, prescription drugs, and hospital stays.
Medicare Part B Premium: $202.90 Per Month
The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium increased to $202.90 in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025 — a $17.90 increase. Part B covers outpatient services including doctor visits, lab tests, preventive care, and durable medical equipment. This premium is deducted automatically from Social Security benefits for most enrollees.
Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Individuals with modified adjusted gross income above $106,000 (or $212,000 for married couples filing jointly) pay a surcharge ranging from $71.90 to $443.90 per month on top of the standard premium.
The Part B annual deductible is $257 in 2026, up from $240 in 2025.
Medicare Part D Drug Cap: $2,100 Per Year
The most impactful change for seniors on expensive medications is the $2,100 annual cap on out-of-pocket Part D prescription drug costs. Once you've spent $2,100 on covered drugs in a calendar year, Medicare pays 100% of your remaining covered drug costs for the year.
This cap is part of the Inflation Reduction Act's multi-year rollout. The cap was $2,000 in 2025 and increases slightly each year. It applies to all Medicare Part D coverage — both standalone Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage.
The 2026 Part D national base premium is $38.99 per month, though actual plan premiums vary significantly.
Medicare Part A (Hospital) Deductible: $1,676
The Medicare Part A deductible — which applies to each benefit period of inpatient hospital care — increased to $1,676 in 2026, up from $1,632 in 2025. Medicare Supplement plans G and N both cover this deductible in full.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans: Benefits Unchanged
Medicare Supplement plan benefits are standardized by the federal government and do not change from year to year. Plan G and Plan N cover the same services in 2026 as they did in 2025. However, private insurers that sell Medigap plans typically raise premiums 3–8% annually based on age and claims experience.
If your Medigap premium has increased significantly, you can shop for a lower-cost plan from a different insurer — the benefits are identical regardless of carrier.
Medicare Advantage: Some Plan Changes
CMS adjusted payment rates to Medicare Advantage insurers in 2026, leading some plans to reduce extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing) while others increased cost-sharing. If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, review your Evidence of Coverage to confirm your doctors are still in-network and your drug formulary hasn't changed.
Summary of 2026 Medicare Cost Changes
| Item | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
| Part B standard monthly premium | $185.00 | $202.90 | +$17.90 |
| Part B annual deductible | $240 | $257 | +$17 |
| Part A deductible (per benefit period) | $1,632 | $1,676 | +$44 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,000 | $2,100 | +$100 |
| Part D national base premium | $36.78 | $38.99 | +$2.21 |
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