💵 Medicare Part B Premiums & IRMAA Explained — What to Expect in 2026
Every year, Medicare adjusts its Part B premiums and income-related surcharges.
In 2026, the standard Part B premium is **projected at about $206.50/month** (up from $185/month in 2025).
This guide breaks down how your income affects your premium with IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), how it’s calculated, and what you can do if your income has recently dropped.
If you’d like a step-by-step walkthrough of Medicare enrollment, plan choices, and
common pitfalls, these 2025–2026 guides can be helpful companions to this article:
👉
MEDICARE TURNING 65 IN 2026 — Most Common Medicare Questions Answered
👉
Medicare Plan Guide for Beginners (2025–2026 Edition)
These are affiliate links, which may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1️⃣ The Standard Part B Premium in 2026
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Medicare Trustees Report, the standard Part B premium is projected at around $206.50 per month in 2026.
While this is an estimate, the final figure will be announced by CMS in the fall of 2025.
2️⃣ What IRMAA Means & Who Pays It
IRMAA is an income-related surcharge applied to higher-income Medicare beneficiaries. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years earlier to determine whether you owe IRMAA.
For 2026 premiums, your 2024 MAGI is the key basis.
3️⃣ 2026 IRMAA Income Brackets (Table) *
Below is an **estimated table**, based on current projections and not yet finalized.
| Filing Status | 2024 MAGI | Estimated Monthly Part B Premium (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Single / Head of Household | ≤ $103,000 | ≈ $206.50 (projected standard) |
| $103,001 – $129,000 | ≈ $279 – $290 (projected surcharge applied) | |
| $129,001 – $161,000 | ≈ $330 – $415 (projected) | |
| $161,001 – $193,000 | ≈ $400 – $540 (projected) | |
| ≥ $500,001 | ≈ $700+ (projected highest tier) | |
| Married Filing Jointly | ≤ $206,000 | ≈ $206.50 (projected standard) |
| $206,001 – $258,000 | ≈ $279 – $290 (projected) | |
| ≥ $750,001 | ≈ $700+ (projected highest tier) |
* These brackets and amounts are illustrative projections only and may differ when CMS publishes the final figures.
4️⃣ How to Request a Reconsideration (Life Change Event)
If your income has dropped since 2024 due to a major life event, you can ask SSA to reconsider your IRMAA.
Submit Form SSA-44 and provide proof of the event and your new income.
- Work stoppage or reduction (retirement, lay-off)
- Marriage, divorce, or death of a spouse
- Loss of pension income or property settlement
5️⃣ Smart Planning Tips to Manage IRMAA
- Use tax-efficient withdrawals from retirement accounts to manage MAGI.
- Consider Roth conversions early (before RMD age) to reduce future taxable income.
- Time large capital gains or one-time distributions strategically so you stay below IRMAA thresholds.
- Understand that MAGI = AGI + tax-exempt interest + foreign income exclusions.
Susan (67) has $180,000 MAGI in 2024 due to a large 401(k) withdrawal. In 2026 she’ll face an estimated premium of ≈ $279-$290/month.
If she had spread her withdrawal over two years, her MAGI might have stayed under $103,000 and her premium would remain the projected standard of ≈ $206.50/month.
🔗 Helpful Links
- ① What’s New in Medicare 2026 — Drug Cost Caps, Digital Tools & Smarter Care
- ② Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C & D — What Each Covers
- ③ Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage — Which Saves You More?
- ④ How & When to Enroll Without Penalties
- ⑤ Part B Premiums & IRMAA Explained for 2026
- ⑥ How Medicare Works with Employer, TRICARE, or Medicaid
- ⑦ What Medicare Really Covers — Hospital, Hospice & Home Health
- ⑧ Free Preventive Services Every Senior Should Use
- ⑨ Getting Help Paying for Medicare — MSP & Extra Help
- ⑩ Your 2026 Medicare Checklist — Dates & Deadlines
핑백: What’s New in Medicare 2026