What Medicare costs in 2026 — and what to watch for 2027

Before you compare any plans this fall, it helps to know the baseline. These are the official 2026 figures from CMS and Medicare.gov. The 2027 amounts are typically announced in the fall, and I'll update this page when they're released.

Part A (hospital)

• Most people pay no Part A premium because they worked 40 quarters or more.
• Inpatient deductible: $1,736 per benefit period in 2026 (up $60 from 2025).
• Days 61–90 in the hospital: $434 per day; lifetime reserve days: $868 per day.
• Skilled nursing facility days 21–100: $217 per day.

Part B (doctors and outpatient)

The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026. Higher-income households pay more through an income-related adjustment based on their tax return from two years ago. If you have Medicaid and the state pays your Part B premium, Ohio pays the standard amount for you.

Part D (prescriptions)

• No drug plan may have a deductible higher than $615 in 2026.
• Your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs is capped at $2,100 for the year — after that you pay nothing for covered Part D drugs.
• If you skipped drug coverage when first eligible, a late-enrollment penalty may be added to your premium.

A $0 premium plan is not the same as a $0 cost plan. Copays, coinsurance, and the yearly out-of-pocket maximum matter more for most of my clients than the monthly premium.

If money is tight, ask about help

Ohio's Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium and sometimes your deductibles and copays. Extra Help lowers drug costs. Many people who qualify never apply. I'm happy to walk through whether you might qualify — no cost, no obligation.

Have a question about your own situation? Send me a note from the United Medicare Club home page or call (234) 380-6282. — David