Medicare Part B Premium Rises to $202.90 in 2026 — How Low-Income Enrollees Can Get It Paid for Free

Medicare Part B premiums increased to $202.90 per month in 2026 — but hundreds of thousands of eligible low-income enrollees don’t know they can have this cost fully covered at no charge through a program most people have never heard of.

What Happened
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed that the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium rose to $202.90 for 2026, an increase of $17.90 compared to the $185.00 charged in 2025. The annual deductible for Part B also increased — from $257 to $283 this year.

Part B covers outpatient services including doctor visits, lab tests, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and some home health services. Most Medicare beneficiaries pay this premium directly from their Social Security check each month.

What This Means for You
If you are enrolled in Medicare, your monthly costs are higher in 2026. For someone on a fixed income, an extra $17.90 per month — or $214.80 per year — can be a meaningful burden.

However, there is an important program that many eligible people overlook: Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). These state-administered programs pay your Medicare Part B premium on your behalf — and in some cases cover deductibles and cost-sharing as well. If you qualify, you pay $0 per month for Part B.

Who Qualifies for Free Part B Coverage
Medicare Savings Programs have income and asset limits that vary by state. As a general guide:

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Individual income up to approximately $1,275/month, couples up to $1,724/month. Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Slightly higher income limits. Covers Part B premium only.
Qualifying Individual (QI): Highest income tier among MSP programs. Covers Part B premium; applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis each year.
Some states have expanded their MSP programs with higher income limits. Contact your state Medicaid office to get the exact thresholds for where you live.

How to Apply
To apply for a Medicare Savings Program, contact your state’s Medicaid office directly. You can also:

Visit medicare.gov to find your state’s application
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Visit your local Social Security Administration office
Extra Help for Prescription Drug Costs
If you have Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), you may also qualify for Extra Help — a federal program that reduces or eliminates your drug plan premium and cost-sharing. Apply through the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov.

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2026 Medicare Part B at a Glance
Standard monthly premium: $202.90 (up from $185.00 in 2025)
Annual deductible: $283 (up from $257)
Medicare Savings Programs: Available for low-income enrollees — can cover premium entirely
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m on Social Security. How does the premium increase affect me?
Your Part B premium is deducted automatically from your Social Security benefit. If your 2026 COLA was less than $17.90, you may see a slight reduction in your net payment.

Can I decline Part B?
You can delay Part B if you have employer coverage. However, delaying without qualifying coverage results in a permanent 10% penalty per year when you do enroll.

Does Medicare cover dental and vision?
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental or vision. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits.

Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — cms.gov. Updated March 16, 2026.