What Part B Costs in 2026
Every Medicare beneficiary pays the Part B premium — whether you choose Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medigap. It’s deducted from your Social Security check automatically. The standard premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month ($2,434.80 per year). But if your income is above certain thresholds, you pay more through IRMAA — the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.
2026 Part B Premium — IRMAA Brackets
Based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your 2024 tax return
IRMAA uses income from 2 years prior — your 2026 premium is based on your 2024 tax return. IRMAA also applies to Part D premiums. If your income has dropped since 2024, you may be able to appeal. Call 828-761-3324 for guidance.
What Part B Covers
The 80/20 Problem — Why It Matters
The most common surprise I see with new Medicare beneficiaries: they don’t realize Part B has no out-of-pocket cap. They assume Medicare works like their employer plan with a maximum. It doesn’t. One serious illness under Original Medicare alone can cost $20,000–$50,000+ in 20% coinsurance — and there’s no ceiling. That’s why I walk every new client through the Medigap vs Medicare Advantage decision before they enroll. Either path caps your exposure, but in very different ways. If you’re approaching 65, the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment window starting when Part B begins is the most valuable period in Medicare — guaranteed issue, lowest rates, no health questions. Miss it and you may not get another chance. Call 828-761-3324 before making any decisions.
Questions About Part B Costs or IRMAA?
Free guidance on premiums, enrollment, and how to lower your costs.
Talk to Rob
IRMAA appeal, enrollment timing, penalty avoidance.
📞 Call Now 💬 Text Us 📅 Book an AppointmentPart B Late Enrollment Penalty
How to Appeal IRMAA
If you’re retiring at 65 after a high-income career, your first year of Medicare may trigger IRMAA based on your last working year’s income. File SSA-44 as soon as you retire. If you’re doing a Roth conversion or selling property before 65, time it carefully — the income spike could push you into a higher IRMAA bracket for 2 years. Talk to your financial advisor and call us at 828-761-3324 to coordinate your Medicare enrollment timing.
Related Guides
- Medicare Costs NC 2026 — every Part A, B, D cost in one guide
- Premium Penalties — Part B 10%, Part D 1%, Medigap denial
- Part D in NC — formulary tiers, $2,000 cap, drug cost comparison
- MA vs Medigap | Plan G vs N | HD Plan G
- Enrollment Guide | Turning 65 | Deadlines
- 2026 MA Changes | Annual Review
- NC Complete Guide | Contact Us
County guides: Durham, Wake, Orange, Guilford, Forsyth, Buncombe.
No SSN to Talk
Just questions, no pressure
Licensed in NC & VA
License #10447418 · Verify at NCDOI.gov
$0 Cost to Compare
Carriers pay us, not you