2026 Part B premium amounts
| Single MAGI (2024) | Joint MAGI (2024) | 2026 monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ $109,000 | ≤ $218,000 | $202.90 (standard) |
| $109,001 – $137,000 | $218,001 – $274,000 | $284.10 |
| $137,001 – $171,000 | $274,001 – $342,000 | $405.80 |
| $171,001 – $205,000 | $342,001 – $410,000 | $527.50 |
| $205,001 – $499,999 | $410,001 – $749,999 | $649.20 |
| ≥ $500,000 | ≥ $750,000 | $689.90 |
About 92% of Medicare beneficiaries pay the standard $202.90 premium. About 8% pay an IRMAA surcharge based on income from two years earlier (i.e., 2026 premiums are based on your 2024 tax return).
How the Part B premium is paid
- Most beneficiaries: Part B premium is automatically deducted from your monthly Social Security benefit.
- If you're not yet drawing Social Security: you'll receive a quarterly bill from CMS, billable by check, automatic bank withdrawal, or credit card via Medicare Easy Pay.
- Higher-income beneficiaries: the IRMAA portion appears separately on your statement, also typically deducted from Social Security.
What if my income dropped due to a life-changing event?
The 2026 IRMAA is based on your 2024 tax return — but if your income has substantially dropped since then due to a life-changing event, you can request a recalculation:
- Marriage, divorce, or death of a spouse
- Work stoppage (retirement)
- Work reduction
- Loss of pension income
- Loss of income from income-producing property (other than ordinary investments)
- Settlement payment from a current or former employer due to closure, bankruptcy, or reorganization
File Form SSA-44 with the Social Security Administration. Include documentation of the life-changing event. If approved, SSA will recalculate your IRMAA based on your more recent income.
How limited-income Ohioans can have Part B paid for them
Ohio's Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium entirely if you qualify:
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): pays Part B premium plus deductibles and coinsurance
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): pays Part B premium
- QI (Qualifying Individual): pays Part B premium
Apply at benefits.ohio.gov or through your county Department of Job and Family Services. Free help available from OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578.
What does the Part B premium cover?
Part B covers medically necessary doctor visits, outpatient hospital services, durable medical equipment, preventive services (annual wellness visits, screenings, vaccines), mental health care, ambulance services, and some home health care. After the $283 annual deductible, you typically pay 20% coinsurance and Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount.