2026 Medicare Costs
Medicare Part B Premium will be $202.90 in 2026
What Mainers Should Know
Every year Medicare updates its costs for the coming year. And every year, I get the same questions from clients across Maine:
- “Did Medicare go up again?”
- “Am I paying more?”
- “Do I need to do anything?”
The short answer is: costs did increase a bit in 2026, but for most people, there are no surprises as long as you understand where those increases show up.
Let’s walk through it in plain English.
Medicare Part A: Hospital Coverage
Monthly Premium
Good news first.
Most people pay $0 for Medicare Part A.
If you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, Part A doesn’t cost you anything each month.
If you didn’t, the maximum Part A premium in 2026 is $565 per month, and penalties can apply if enrollment is delayed.
Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage
If you qualify under Medicare’s rules, Part A helps with skilled nursing care:
- Days 1–20: $0
- Days 21–100: $217 per day
- After day 100: You pay the full cost
This is coverage for skilled care, not long-term custodial care, which Medicare does not cover.
Medicare Part B: Doctor Visits and Outpatient Care
Monthly Premium
The standard Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month.
Most people in Maine pay this amount.
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment (IRMAA)
This is where things catch people off guard.
If your 2024 income was above certain levels, Medicare adds an extra charge to your Part B premium. This can happen because of:
- Retirement payouts
- Roth conversions
- Capital gains
- Selling property
- One-time income events
At the highest income levels, the Part B premium in 2026 goes up to $689.90 per month.
Two important things to know:
- IRMAA is based on income from two years ago
- It is often appealable after retirement or income changes
If you retired recently or had a one-time income spike, this is worth looking at.
Part B Deductible
In 2026:
- $283 per year
- Paid once annually
After that, Original Medicare generally pays 80%, and you’re responsible for the remaining 20% unless you have other coverage.
Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
National Base Premium
For 2026, the national base premium is $38.99.
Your actual Part D premium depends on:
- The plan you choose (It could be $0/month)
- Where you live in Maine
- Your income
Even if your drug plan premium is low or $0, higher-income earners may still pay an income-related adjustment, ranging from $14.50 to $91.00 per month, added to the plan premium.
This is another area where people are surprised when Social Security sends the letter.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are still widely available across Maine, and many continue to offer $0-$44 monthly premiums.
Just remember:
- $0 premium does not mean $0 cost
- Networks matter
- Copays matter
- Prescription coverage is built in
For some people, these plans work very well. For others, Original Medicare plus a supplement makes more sense. It really depends on the doctors you see or may want to see, prescriptions, and how you use healthcare.
Who Should Pay Extra Attention in 2026
You’ll want to take a closer look if you:
- Are retiring in 2026
- Had higher income in 2024
- Sold property or investments
- Are considering delaying Part B
- Are helping a spouse transition onto Medicare
Most Medicare problems arise by choosing the “wrong” plan, timing and assumptions.
Final Thought
Medicare doesn’t usually change dramatically year to year, but it does get more complicated the closer you look.
If you ever find yourself thinking,
“I just want someone to tell me if this applies to me,”
that’s exactly what I help with.
No pressure, no rush. Just clear answers.
Seeking Expert Guidance
In 2026, there will be some additional changes to the Medicare program. By learning about these changes and talking to an expert, you can be prepared and understand what it means for you and/or your spouse. Remember, there are programs that can help with the costs, and experts who can explain things better. By being informed and planning ahead, you can make sure you have the healthcare you need when the changes come in 2027 and 2028.
And best of all…
…there is no charge for any help that I provide. I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission when you enroll in a plan. You will not pay anything to talk with me or get answers to your questions and you will pay the same price for your insurance that everyone pays whether they had my help or not. I will n0t pressure you or suggest you change our insurance, my goal is be to helpful and if after we talk you think you have the best plan for your current needs then I will have done my job and achieved my goal. And you’ll still have someone in your corner to help you throughout the year should you have trouble using your insurance or need help with a complex situation or want to review your coverage in the fall during Open Enrollment.