One page with the numbers people actually ask about. Print it, keep it on the fridge, or send it to a parent. Every figure comes from medicare.gov and is dated, so you can tell at a glance whether it is current.
What Medicare Costs in 2026
The standard amounts. Your costs can differ if your income is higher, if you have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, or if you get help paying.
Part A — Hospital
| Monthly premium | $0 for most people |
|---|---|
| If you have to buy Part A | $311 or $565 a month if you have to buy it |
| Hospital deductible | $1,736 per benefit period |
| Hospital days 61–90 | $434 a day |
| Lifetime reserve days | $868 a day |
| Skilled nursing facility | $217 a day (days 21–100) |
Part B — Doctors and outpatient care
| Monthly premium | $202.90 a month (more if your income is higher) |
|---|---|
| Yearly deductible | $283 a year |
| Your share after the deductible | Usually 20% of the approved amount |
Part D — Prescription drugs
| Most you pay out of pocket | $2,100 a year, then you pay nothing more for covered drugs |
|---|---|
| Highest deductible a plan may charge | No plan may charge more than $615 |
| National base premium | $38.99 a month (used to figure late penalties) |
Figures for 2026 from medicare.gov. If your income is limited, programs may pay these for you — see mediprimer.org/getting-help.html. Free help: 1-800-MEDICARE or your SHIP counselor.
mediprimer.org