What’s Changing in 2026 and Why It Matters

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Medicare Costs and Premium Updates for 2026: What You Need to Know

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially announced the Medicare premium and cost updates for 2026. These changes affect both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Understanding these updates is crucial for budget planning, making informed plan choices, and managing out-of-pocket expenses. As we approach the new year, here’s a breakdown of the key changes that will impact millions of beneficiaries.

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Medicare Part A: Hospital Cost Changes for 2026

In 2026, Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care, will see some significant cost changes. Here’s what you need to know:

• Inpatient Hospital Deductible: The deductible will increase to $1,736.
• Coinsurance Increases:
  • Days 61-90: $434 per day
  • Lifetime Reserve Days (after 90 days): $868 per day
  • Skilled Nursing Facility Stay (Days 21-100): $217 per day

These changes will affect hospital stays and skilled nursing care, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

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Medicare Part B: Premium and Deductible Increases for 2026

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care and other services like doctor visits and preventative care. For 2026, the costs for Part B are increasing:

• Standard Monthly Premium: The premium will rise to $202.90.
• Annual Deductible: The deductible will increase to $283.

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Part B Premium for Higher Income Earners

If you’re a higher income earner, your Medicare Part B costs will be higher than the standard premium. The additional costs are part of the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

• Higher income earners will pay an IRMAA on top of the standard Part B premium.
• If you’re also enrolled in Part D (Prescription Drug Plan), you may face an additional Part D IRMAA.

To get an idea of what your potential costs might be, visit the Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts on the CMS website.

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Medicare Part D Costs for 2026: Understanding the Premiums and Deductibles

Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage, and costs can vary depending on the plan you select and your income. Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 updates:

• Base Premium Range: Most Part D plans start at around $10 to $15 per month. This is the standard base premium for the plan you choose.
• Income-Related Premium Adjustments: If you fall into a higher income bracket, you will pay a higher premium for Part D, similar to Part B.

In addition to the monthly premium, you will also need to consider other potential costs:

• Prescription Costs: Part D plans typically have copayments and coinsurance for prescription medications, which can add up over time.

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How to Compare Medicare Part D Plans in 2026

When selecting a Medicare Part D plan, it’s important to compare your options to find the best coverage. Some factors to consider include:

• Monthly premium costs
• Prescription drug coverage and formulary
• Copayments and coinsurance for your medications
• Plan ratings and customer reviews

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How ML Health Insurance Can Help You Navigate Medicare Changes

With these changes to Medicare premiums and costs, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about your coverage. ML Health Insurance is here to assist you in understanding the new updates for 2026. Our team of experts can help you compare plans, estimate potential costs, and guide you toward the best Medicare options for your needs.

If you have questions about the impact of these changes or need assistance with selecting a plan, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D so you can make the right choice for your healthcare needs.

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