A simple refresher to kick things off
At BBG65Plus, we know Medicare updates can feel like a moving target, especially when premiums and income‑related adjustments shift year to year. As we close the book on January and stride into the rest of the year, here’s a clear, simple recap of what changed for 2026 and how it may affect your budget. Even if you’ve seen some of these numbers before, many people are still sorting through them, so this serves as a helpful refresher.
Overview
Medicare’s standard Part B premium increased to $202.90 for 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025, a 9.7% jump. For higher‑income beneficiaries, IRMAA surcharges for both Part B and Part D rose by roughly 8–10%, depending on the bracket.
Base Part B Premium
- The standard monthly premium increased from $185.00 → $202.90.
- That’s a 9.7% year‑over‑year increase.
Note: The income thresholds listed below are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) reported on your 2024 tax return. Medicare uses a two‑year lookback, meaning your 2024 income determines whether IRMAA applies in 2026.
IRMAA (Income‑Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)
For individuals with higher incomes, IRMAA adds an extra monthly charge to both Part B and Part D.
Key points:
- IRMAA applies based on 2024 MAGI.
- Surcharges increased 8–10% across most brackets.
- Income thresholds shifted slightly upward.
- Every bracket saw a higher total monthly cost compared to 2025.
2026 IRMAA Monthly Totals — Single & Joint Filers
| Bracket | Income Thresholds (MAGI, 2024 return)* | Part B Premium | Part D Surcharge | Total Monthly Cost |
| Base |
Single ≤ $109,000 Joint ≤ $218,001 |
$202.90 | $0.00 | $202.90 |
| 1 |
Single $109,001–$136,000; Joint $218,001–$272,000 |
$284.10 | $14.50 | $298.60 |
| 2 |
Single $137,001–$170,000; Joint $274,001–$340,000 |
$405.80 | $37.50 | $443.30 |
| 3 |
Single $171,001–$204,000; Joint $342,001–$408,000 |
$527.50 | $60.40 | $587.90 |
| 4 |
Single $205,001–$499,000; Joint $410,001–$749,000 |
$649.20 | $83.30 | $732.50 |
| 5 |
Single ≥ $500,000; Joint ≥ $750,000 |
$689.90 | $91.00 | $780.90 |
2026 IRMAA Monthly Totals — Married Filing Separately (MFS)
|
Bracket |
Income Thresholds (MAGI, 2024 return)* |
Part B Premium |
Part D Surcharge |
Total Monthly Cost |
|
Standard |
≤ $109,000 |
$202.90 |
$0.00 |
$202.90 |
|
Middle |
$109,001–$391,000 |
$649.20 |
$83.30 |
$732.50 |
|
Top |
≥ $391,000 |
$689.90 |
$91.00 |
$780.90 |
What This Means for You
- Most people will pay the standard premium.
If your 2024 income was $109,000 or less (single) or $218,000 or less (joint), your Part B premium is simply the new standard $202.90.
- If your income changed recently, your IRMAA may not reflect your current situation.
Life events such as retirement, reduced hours, divorce, or the death of a spouse can affect your income year to year.
- Higher‑income brackets saw noticeable increases.
If you’re in an IRMAA bracket, expect your total monthly Medicare costs to be 8–10% higher than last year.
- Married Filing Separately remains the harshest category.
There are only three possible outcomes — $202.90, $732.50, or $780.90 — with no middle ground.
- If you’re unsure where you or why you fall into a certain bracket, reviewing your 2024 income is a good first step.
A quick look at your 2024 MAGI will tell you whether IRMAA applies for 2026. While BBG65Plus doesn’t handle IRMAA appeals or tax‑related filings, understanding your bracket helps you anticipate your Medicare costs with fewer surprises.
Medicare changes come at us every year and can feel like a lot to keep up with, especially this year. Having the right information at the right time makes everything a little easier.. At BBG65Plus, we keep an eye on these updates so you can stay informed without needing to wade through everything yourself. Our goal is simply to share what we know, help you feel more confident about your benefits, and make Medicare a little less overwhelming as the year unfolds — offering clarity, perspective, and a bit of peace of mind along the way.
If there are specific topics you’d like us to address in future issues please drop us a line at 65plus@bbginc.net with your suggestions.