Medicare increases for 2026
Medicare premiums and deductibles increased in 2026 from 2025 levels, with Part B premiums rising by about 9.7%. The Part A deductible increase was smaller at 3.7%.
“In 2026, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B is $202.90, up $17.90 from $185 in 2025. That is an increase of almost 10%. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $283 in 2026, $26 more than the 2025 deductible of $257.” That is just over a 10% increase.
“The Medicare Part A deductible for hospital admissions increased to $1,736 in 2026. That’s an increase of $60, up from $1,676 in 2025. That’s an increase of 3.7%. The Part A inpatient hospital deductible covers beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.”
“For patients hospitalized for more than 60 days, the coinsurance amount in 2026 is $434 per day (up $15 (3.6%) from $419 in 2025) for the 61st through the 90th day of hospitalization. The coinsurance payment rises to $868 a day, up $30 (3.6%) from $838 in 2025, starting on the 91st day of hospitalization. For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefit period is $217.00, up $7.50 (3.6%) from $209.50 in 2025.”
Medicare costs. Health coverage for seniors is not free. Medicare Part A (hospitalization) can be free if signed up at the correct time. Medicare Part B (Medical insurance, doctor’s visits, etc.) costs $202.90/month. Medicare Part D (Drug insurance, prescriptions) varies depending on the private insurance company plan you purchase. Then there ae Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans, both provided by private insurers. Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap ) usually helps pay your portion of the costs (like deductibles and coinsurance) for services that Part A and Part B cover in Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans bundle all of the Medicare insurance (Part A, Part B, Part D) into one product that is purchased from a private insurer. With Medicare Advantage you must still sign up for Part A and Part B but the services will be provided through your Medicare Advantage private insurer plan. Medicare Part D Is usually covered under the Medicare Advantage umbrella.