What is the 2026 Medicare Part B premium?

The 2026 standard Part B premium is $206.50 per month, announced by CMS in November 2025. Higher-income beneficiaries pay the same base plus an IRMAA surcharge that ranges from $74.10 to $444.90 per month, depending on the income bracket on their 2024 tax return.

How does IRMAA work for Medicare in 2026?

IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is a surcharge added to Part B and Part D premiums when your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) crosses one of six brackets. CMS uses your tax return from two years ago, so 2026 premiums reflect 2024 income. The lowest IRMAA tier kicks in above $108,000 single or $216,000 joint.

Why does CMS use my income from two years ago?

CMS uses the most recent tax return the IRS has on file when premiums are calculated. Because that data lags by two tax years, your 2026 premium is set by your 2024 MAGI. If your income has dropped since then because of retirement, divorce, or another life event, you can file Form SSA-44 to request a recalculation.

What counts as MAGI for IRMAA?

For IRMAA, MAGI is your adjusted gross income (line 11 of Form 1040) plus tax-exempt interest (line 2a). It includes wages, Social Security taxable portion, pension distributions, traditional IRA withdrawals, capital gains, and Roth conversions. Health Savings Account contributions and pre-tax retirement contributions reduce it.

How much is the average Part D premium in 2026?

The 2026 base beneficiary premium for Part D is approximately $36.78 per month before IRMAA. Actual plan premiums vary widely. High earners pay an IRMAA surcharge ranging from $14.10 to $88.30 per month on top of the plan premium.

Can I lower my Medicare IRMAA legally?

Yes. Common strategies are: contribute to traditional 401(k) or HSA to reduce MAGI in the lookback year, do Roth conversions before age 63, sell appreciated assets in years before Medicare enrollment, use qualified charitable distributions instead of regular IRA withdrawals, and bunch capital gains in non-Medicare years. Always model the lookback year, not the premium year.

Medicare·Premium Calculator

2026 CMS brackets

Medicare Premiums for 2026, Done in 30 Seconds.

Pop in your filing status and 2024 income. We surface your Part B base, IRMAA surcharge, Part D add-on, and your real monthly bill. No login.

$206.50 Part B base6 IRMAA tiers2024 MAGI lookback

For 2026 the standard Medicare Part B premium is $206.50 per month. The Part D base premium is about $36.78. Higher-income beneficiaries pay an extra IRMAA surcharge based on their 2024 modified adjusted gross income. The lowest IRMAA tier starts above $108,000 for single filers or $216,000 for married couples filing jointly. The top tier costs an extra $444.90 per month on Part B and $88.30 on Part D.

2026 CMS bracketsPart B base $206.50

Filing status

2024 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)

Medicare looks back two years. Your 2026 premium is set by what's on your 2024 tax return.

Who's enrolled

Include Part D (prescription drug)

Most retirees enroll. Average plan adds about $36.78/month before IRMAA.

Your 2026 Medicare bill

IRMAA tier: T0 — Base

Part B (medical)

$206.50/mo

Base premium $206.50

Part D (drug)

$36.78/mo

Average plan $36.78

Monthly total

$243.28

$2,919.36 annual total

2026 IRMAA ladder · single

Tier	MAGI ≤	Part B	Part D	Total/mo
T0 — Base	$108,000	+$0.00	+$0.00	$243.28
T1	$135,000	+$74.10	+$14.10	$331.48
T2	$169,000	+$185.30	+$36.40	$464.98
T3	$203,000	+$296.50	+$58.70	$598.48
T4	$497,000	+$407.70	+$81.00	$731.98
T5 — Top	no cap	+$444.90	+$88.30	$776.48

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MAGI, IRMAA, MOOP, MAPD, in plain English