Medicare Premium Costs 2026
| Medicare part | Standard premium | Who pays it? | Help available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital insurance | $0 for most people Up to $518/mo if not enough work credits | Free if you or spouse worked 40+ quarters. Otherwise $285 or $518/month. | QMB pays Part A premium for those who don't get it free |
| Part B Medical insurance | $185.00/mo | Most beneficiaries — deducted from Social Security check | Yes — QMB, SLMB, and QI pay this premium |
| Part D Prescription drugs | Varies by plan Average ~$46/mo in 2026 | Beneficiary pays plan premium + copays | Extra Help / LIS reduces premiums and copays |
| Part B IRMAA Higher income surcharge | +$74.00 to +$443.90/mo | Higher-income beneficiaries (income over $106,000 single) | No assistance available for IRMAA |
Who Gets Medicare for Free?
Medicare Part A is free (premium-free) if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years) of work. Nearly all Medicare beneficiaries qualify for free Part A.
Medicare Part B is not free — the standard premium is $185.00/month in 2026. However, it can be free if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI).
Your Part B premium is deducted from your Social Security check. If you receive Social Security, your Part B premium is automatically deducted each month. If a Medicare Savings Program pays your premium, your Social Security check will be higher by $185.00/month.
Programs That Reduce or Eliminate Medicare Premiums
QMB — Qualified Medicare Beneficiary
Part A & B premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance
$1,350/mo
single income limit
SLMB — Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary
Part B premium only
$1,616/mo
single income limit
QI — Qualifying Individual
Part B premium only (first-come, first-served)
$1,816/mo
single income limit
Apply through your state Medicaid agency. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for free help.