Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part B is medical insurance that helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Almost everyone pays a monthly Part B premium, which is set by CMS and can be higher for people with higher incomes.
What it means
- Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient hospital services, preventive care, mental health care, and durable medical equipment. - The standard Part B monthly premium in 2026 is $202.90 (higher-income beneficiaries pay more under IRMAA). - The annual Part B deductible in 2026 is $283. After you meet it, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services. - Delaying Part B without other creditable coverage can trigger a lifetime late-enrollment penalty.
Action steps
1. Decide whether to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period or delay because you have creditable coverage through a current employer. 2. If you delay, keep written proof of your other coverage — you'll need it to avoid the late-enrollment penalty later. 3. If you already get Social Security, Part B enrollment is automatic; if not, apply at ssa.gov. 4. Confirm the current-year premium and deductible on medicare.gov before budgeting.
Deadlines
- Initial Enrollment Period: 7 months around your 65th birthday (3 before, month of, 3 after). - General Enrollment Period: January 1 – March 31 with coverage starting the month after you enroll. - Special Enrollment Period: an 8-month window after employer coverage ends.
Answers in this topic
Questions
- What is the Part B premium in 2026?
- The standard Part B monthly premium in 2026 is $202.90, according to medicare.gov. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more under IRMAA.
- What is the Part B deductible in 2026?
- The annual Part B deductible in 2026 is $283, per medicare.gov.
Source:
Last verified: 2026-07-18