Medicare Costs in 2026: Compare Part A, Part B, and More vs. 2025

Medicare costs change every year. In 2026, several important costs for Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor and outpatient care) increased. Knowing these numbers helps you plan your monthly budget and avoid surprises.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of Medicare costs for 2025 vs. 2026 using official figures.

Medicare Cost Comparison: 2025 vs. 2026

Category 2025 2026

Part B Standard Monthly Premium $185 $202.90

Part B Annual Deductible $257 $283

Part A Inpatient Hospital Deductible $1,656 $1,736

Part A Daily Coinsurance (Days 61–90) $419 $434

Part A Lifetime Reserve Days Coinsurance $838 $868

Part A Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance (Days 21–100) $209 $217

Part D Prescription Drug Costs Varies by plan Varies by plan

Note: Part D costs vary by plan, pharmacy, and drug list, so there is no single national amount.

What These Numbers Mean for You

1) Part B Premiums Are Higher

Most people pay the standard Part B premium, which increased in 2026. This amount is usually deducted from Social Security. Higher-income individuals may pay more.

2) Part B Deductible Increased

The Part B deductible is the amount you pay before Medicare starts paying for doctor and outpatient services. A higher deductible means you may pay more early in the year.

3) Part A Hospital Costs Went Up

Many people don’t pay a monthly Part A premium, but the hospital deductible and daily coinsurance amounts increased. Longer hospital or skilled nursing stays can add up quickly.

4) Prescription Drug Costs Depend on Your Plan

Part D premiums and deductibles vary by plan. Drug lists and pharmacies matter, so reviewing your coverage each year is important.

How These Costs Affect Your Yearly Budget

Even modest increases can matter:

• Part B premiums are often the largest ongoing Medicare cost.

• Deductibles affect how much you pay before coverage kicks in.

• Hospital coinsurance can become significant during longer stays.

Reviewing your Medicare coverage regularly helps you stay in control of out-of-pocket costs.

How Senior Help And You Helps You Plan

At Senior Help And You, we help you:

• Understand annual Medicare cost changes

• Compare plans side by side

• Review prescription drug costs carefully

• Make sure your coverage still fits your needs and budget

👉 Visit https://ajfinsuranceservices.com/
or call 520-252-5275 for a free Medicare review focused on your costs and coverage.

Medicare costs in 2026 increased in several key areas—especially Part B premiums and deductibles. Knowing these changes now gives you time to plan, compare options, and choose coverage that fits your budget.

3 Key Takeaways

1. The standard Part B premium increased to $202.90 in 2026.

2. The Part B deductible increased to $283.

3. Hospital deductibles and daily coinsurance amount also increased.

Authored by Albert Ferrin, RSSA®
Founder, Senior Help And You
Registered Social Security Analyst®
https://rssa.com/analyst/albert-ferrin/
https://ajfinsuranceservices.com/

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, health, legal, tax, or financial advice. Medicare costs and benefits are set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and may change. Individual costs vary by income, plan selection, and location.

Sources

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — Medicare Parts A & B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance

• National Council on Aging (NCOA) — Medicare out-of-pocket cost summaries

• Medicare.gov — Medicare cost and Part D plan information