Medicare 101
Medicare Costs Breakdown
Understanding what Medicare actually costs helps you plan. Part A is usually premium-free. Part B has a standard monthly premium of $202.90 in 2026 (higher for high incomes via IRMAA, starting above $109,000 single / $218,000 married filing jointly — CMS, 2026). Part D and Medicare Advantage premiums vary by plan. For 2026, Part D includes a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap (CMS, 2026). Here's how the pieces add up.
What you'll pay
Budget for the Part B premium, any plan premium, deductibles, and copays up to your plan's max out-of-pocket. Higher earners pay an IRMAA surcharge on Parts B and D. We map your expected costs before you enroll.
Questions, answered
What is IRMAA?
IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is a surcharge added to your Part B and Part D premiums if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above set thresholds — starting at $109,000 for a single filer or $218,000 for married filing jointly in 2026 (CMS). We can estimate whether it applies to you.
What income does IRMAA use?
IRMAA is based on your MAGI from your tax return two years prior — your 2026 premium is based on your 2024 tax return. That two-year lag matters if your income has since dropped, since you may be able to request a reduction.
Can I appeal an IRMAA surcharge?
Yes. If you've had a life-changing event since the tax year used to calculate it — retirement, divorce, or the death of a spouse, for example — you can file Form SSA-44 with the Social Security Administration to request a reduction based on your current income instead of the older tax return.
Does IRMAA affect Medicare Advantage premiums?
IRMAA applies to the Part B premium (which you pay regardless of whether you're on Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan) and to any Part D drug coverage — including drug coverage bundled into a Medicare Advantage plan. It doesn't apply to the plan's own separate premium beyond that.
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