Upcoming Changes & Updates: Medicare 2026
As we approach 2026, it’s a great time for everyone on Medicare — or those planning to enroll — to familiarize themselves with important updates. The program’s coverage, costs, and structure evolve yearly, so staying informed can help you plan ahead. Here’s what to know for 2026.
Premiums, Deductibles & Cost Changes
For 2026, the monthly premium for Medicare Part B — which covers outpatient services, doctor visits, and medical equipment — will rise to $202.90, up $17.90 from 2025.
The annual Part B deductible will increase to $283 (up $26).
For those who pay premiums for Medicare Part A (hospital/inpatient coverage) — generally people with fewer than 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment — costs will increase. Monthly premiums will go up (for some buy-in enrollees: either $311 or $565 depending on work history) and the inpatient hospital deductible will be $1,736 in 2026 (up $60).
Coinsurance (the daily hospital or skilled-nursing-facility costs after deductible) will increase too. For example, daily coinsurance for hospital days 61-90 will be $434/day.
These cost increases reflect broader trends in healthcare spending and utilization nationally.
What Remains Stable — and What’s Improving
The good news: For 2026, coverage under Medicare Advantage (MA) — Medicare plans managed by private insurers — and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) is expected to remain stable overall. According to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), average premiums and plan choices will generally be similar or even slightly improved.
For MA plans, supplemental benefits such as dental, vision and hearing are being maintained — a helpful perk for many beneficiaries.
CMS’s 2026 payment policy updates are designed to encourage efficient, quality care and to continue support for both MA and Part D plans.
Prescription Drugs & Part D Updates
If you’re on a Part D plan or MA with drug coverage, 2026 brings continued protections and potential savings:
For 2026, the benefit redesign under the Inflation Reduction Act continues to play a role. CMS has finalized payment-policy updates for MA and Part D that aim to keep prescription drug coverage affordable and stable.
With plan stability and price-holding measures in place, beneficiaries may find it easier to manage drug costs — but it remains important to review each plan’s formulary, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs during enrollment.
What You Should Do: Use Open Enrollment to Review Your Coverage
2026 is a timely reminder to take full advantage of the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period (for most people, October–December each year). It’s your chance to:
Compare current and new MA plans, or switch back to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) if preferred
Evaluate or change your Part D plan or MA drug coverage
Reassess supplemental needs like dental, vision, hearing, or additional coverage if needed
Double-check medications you take and review how they’re covered under different plans (especially if prices or formularies change)
Given the cost increases and shifts, reviewing your options — rather than “set-and-forget” — can make a big difference in coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
What It Means for Medicare Beneficiaries
For many, 2026 will bring modest but important increases in premiums and deductibles. That means budgeting ahead is wise. On the plus side, Medicare Advantage and Part D remain stable, with continued efforts to balance affordability and quality of care. For those on fixed incomes — or managing chronic conditions — being proactive about plan choice and medication coverage has never been more important.