Medicare changes for 2026: What you need to know

Each year Medicare updates its premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing amounts. Here's a summary of what's changing for 2026, based on official figures from Medicare.gov.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Most people continue to pay $0 for Part A because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If you have to buy Part A, you'll pay either $311 or $565 per month depending on your work history. The inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 for each benefit period. Hospital coinsurance is $434 per day for days 61–90 and $868 per day for days 91–150 (lifetime reserve days). For skilled nursing facility stays, days 21–100 cost $217 per day.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month, though higher earners may pay more. The annual Part B deductible is $283. After you meet the deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services.

Part C, Part D, and Medigap. Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D drug plan, and Medigap costs vary by plan, location, and other factors, and can change each year. Our agents can help you compare the options available in your area.

Help with costs — Extra Help. If you have limited income and resources, the Extra Help program can significantly lower your prescription drug costs. In 2026, those who qualify pay a $0 premium and $0 deductible, no more than $5.10 for each generic drug and $12.65 for each brand-name drug, and $0 once total drug costs reach $2,100.

"We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options."

Have questions about how these 2026 changes affect you? Give us a call at 888-777-7986 — our agents are happy to help.