Medicare Part B

The medical insurance side of Medicare: doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and some home health. The 2026 standard premium is $206.50 per month. Beneficiaries with higher MAGI pay an IRMAA surcharge on top. Part B has a $257 annual deductible in 2026, after which Medicare pays 80 percent of approved amounts and the beneficiary pays the remaining 20 percent. There is no annual out-of-pocket maximum on Original Medicare Part B coinsurance, which is why most retirees pair it with a Medigap plan.