# 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.

## 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.

## Sources

- [Medicare costs at a glance (medicare.gov)](https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs)
- [What Part B covers (medicare.gov)](https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-b-covers)

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Published: 2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00
Modified: 2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00
Last verified: 2026-07-18
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