What You'll Pay for Medicare in 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the updated costs people will pay for Medicare coverage. These changes start January 1, 2026. Here’s what you need to know.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)
Part A helps pay for hospital stays, nursing facility care, some home health care, and hospice care. Most people don't pay a monthly fee (premium) for Part A because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. If you have to pay for Medicare Part A, the monthly cost will be up to $565 in 2026.
When you go to the hospital, you'll pay a $1,736 deductible per benefit period before Medicare starts paying for your inpatient hospital care. If you stay more than 60 days, you'll pay $434 per day for days 61 through 90. After that, you pay $868 per day. For skilled nursing facility care, Medicare pays the full cost for the first 20 days. From days 21 through 100, you pay $217 per day if eligibility criteria are met.
Medicare Part B (Doctor and Outpatient Coverage)
Part B covers outpatient services like doctor visits, diagnostic tests, outpatient hospital care, ambulance services, durable medical equipment, and mental health services.
In 2026, the monthly cost for Part B coverage will go up to $202.90 (from $185 per month in 2025). You'll also pay a higher deductible ($283) before Medicare starts covering costs. After that, Medicare usually pays 80% and you pay 20% for outpatient costs.
Some People Pay Different Amounts
Some people will pay slightly less under Medicare’s “hold harmless” provision, which prevents Part B premium increases from reducing a person’s Social Security check each month. For 2026, Social Security announced a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA), which means Social Security payments are going up 2.8%. For most people, that increase is enough to cover the higher Part B cost.
People with higher incomes will continue to pay income-adjusted Part B premiums. If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help paying your Part B premium— Medicaid’s Medicare Savings Programs (sometimes called the “Medicare Buy-In") can pay the Part B premium for you. To learn more about these programs and how to apply, see PHLP’s fact sheet here.
Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients
If you have a kidney transplant, your full Medicare coverage ends 36 months after the transplant. But ou can choose to keep Part B coverage just for your anti-rejection (immunosuppressive) drugs. In 2026, this immunosuppressive drug coverage costs $121.60 per month. This option is only for people who don't have other health insurance.
How Your Plan Affects What You Pay
Everyone with Medicare pays their Part A (if applicable) and Part B monthly premiums, regardless of whether they use Original Medicare or choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you have Original Medicare, you pay the deductible and coinsurance amounts listed above. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs may be different and are set by your individual plan. Check your plan’s Summary of Benefits and Evidence of Coverage to see what you'll pay.
Need Help Understanding Medicare Costs?
PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) offers free, unbiased help with Medicare questions. Trained counselors can explain your options and help you find the best coverage for your needs.
Call the PA MEDI helpline at 1-800-783-7067 or visit the PA MEDI website for more information, including local events and contact information.
