Yes. Most people can expect a small rise in 2026. The Part B premium is projected to be about $206.50, but the final number comes out in the fall. The Part D base premium for 2026 is set at $38.99, and the Part D drug cap will be $2,100. Final Part B and IRMAA amounts are posted by CMS each fall, typically in early November.
What we know now about Medicare premiums 2026 and when CMS makes it official
CMS has already shared key Part D numbers for 2026. The Part D base premium is $38.99, and the new out-of-pocket cap is $2,100. These two items are set and help you plan ahead. CMS will publish the final Part B premium and the 2026 IRMAA dollar amounts this fall, as they do each year. For example, CMS released the 2025 Part B numbers in November of the prior year. Watch for the CMS fact sheet or Medicare.gov updates to see the official announcement.
2026 Part B premium estimate how projections are made and what can change
Part B costs are based on the overall spending in the Medicare Part B program. Experts look at healthcare trends, claims data, and projected expenses to create an estimate. The current projection puts the 2026 standard Part B premium around $206.50, but that’s only a forecast. CMS will set the official number later in the fall once all the final data is reviewed. Your actual Part B cost could be higher if you’re subject to IRMAA.
How to plan now:
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Use $206.50 as a working estimate
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Build a little flexibility into your budget
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Check Medicare.gov when the final amount is posted
2026 IRMAA brackets explained two year lookback using your 2024 tax return
IRMAA is an extra amount added to your Part B and Part D premiums if your income is above a certain level. Social Security looks back two years at your tax return to decide if you’ll pay this surcharge. For 2026, they’ll use your 2024 tax return. Your filing status and total income determine which IRMAA bracket you fall into. If your income has dropped due to a major life event such as retirement, marriage, or loss of income, you can ask Social Security to review it using Form SSA-44.
Medicare Part D IRMAA who pays it and how it works with drug coverage in Advantage plans
Part D IRMAA applies to people with higher incomes, no matter what kind of drug plan they have. Whether you’re enrolled in a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, IRMAA can still apply. The 2026 Part D base premium is $38.99, and if IRMAA applies, it’s added to that amount. The new $2,100 out-of-pocket cap means your total drug costs will stop at that limit for covered drugs. Social Security will bill you for the IRMAA amount or take it from your monthly benefit, while you still pay your plan premium directly to your insurance company.
Quick check:
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On Medicare Advantage with drug coverage
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Or on a stand-alone drug plan
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IRMAA may still apply in both cases
Need help estimating and making a plan
We Can Help You is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to making Medicare and Social Security easier to understand. Our goal is to help you plan confidently for 2026 and beyond. Use our Agent Finder tool to connect with a trained Member Agent who provides free, unbiased guidance.
All of our Member Agents:
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Hold a valid state insurance license
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Have current AHIP and Long-Term Care certification
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Complete continuing education in Medicare and Social Security topics
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Are not captive agents, meaning they represent multiple carriers
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Never charge fees for their services
You can also join one of our free workshops or request a private consultation to discuss your Medicare situation in detail.
How We Can Help You next steps
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Gather your 2024 tax return to estimate your 2026 IRMAA
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Add the projected Part B amount to your 2026 budget
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Include your plan premium and any Part D IRMAA amount
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Ask us about the SSA-44 form if your income has dropped
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Use our Agent Finder to connect with a licensed expert near you
Conclusion
Most Medicare beneficiaries will see a small increase in their premiums for 2026. Use the current Part D numbers and the projected Part B amount to plan your budget now, then check for CMS’s final update this fall. If your income has fallen because of a life change, you may be able to reduce your IRMAA by submitting an SSA-44 appeal. Our trained Member Agents are here to guide you through every step—at no cost to you. Use the Agent Finder and get personalized, unbiased assistance today.
