2026 Medicare Part B deductible has not yet been officially announced as of February 26, 2026, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) typically releases the updated deductible amount in the fall preceding or during the benefit year.
Medicare beneficiaries across the United States closely track Part B costs each year. The deductible affects out-of-pocket expenses for doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and certain medical equipment. While the final 2026 figure is pending formal confirmation from CMS, here is what beneficiaries need to know about how the deductible works, recent historical amounts, and what to expect when the official number becomes available.
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What Is the Medicare Part B Deductible?
Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical services. This includes:
- Doctor visits
- Specialist appointments
- Preventive screenings
- Outpatient hospital services
- Durable medical equipment
- Some home health services
Before Medicare begins paying its share, beneficiaries must meet the annual Part B deductible.
Once the deductible is met, Medicare typically covers 80% of approved services. The beneficiary pays the remaining 20% coinsurance, unless they have supplemental coverage.
Most Recent Confirmed Deductible Amount
As of the latest official update available, the 2025 Medicare Part B deductible is $240 per year.
CMS announced that amount during the 2025 benefit year update.
The 2026 Medicare Part B deductible will be formally published by CMS once finalized. That announcement generally occurs toward the end of the preceding calendar year or shortly before the new benefit year takes effect.
Until CMS releases the updated number, the 2025 figure remains the most recent confirmed deductible.
How the Part B Deductible Is Determined
CMS calculates Medicare Part B costs annually.
The deductible reflects:
- Projected program spending
- Inflation in healthcare services
- Legislative adjustments
- Changes in utilization patterns
Part B funding comes from:
- Monthly beneficiary premiums
- Federal general revenues
Each year, CMS evaluates expected expenditures and sets updated cost-sharing amounts.
Recent Medicare Part B Deductible History
Understanding past changes provides helpful context.
Here is a breakdown of recent Part B deductible amounts:
| Year | Part B Deductible |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $226 |
| 2024 | $240 |
| 2025 | $240 |
| 2026 | Pending official CMS announcement |
The deductible remained stable between 2024 and 2025 at $240.
Any adjustment for 2026 will depend on CMS’s final determination.
When Will the 2026 Medicare Part B Deductible Be Announced?
CMS typically announces Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles in the fall.
That announcement includes:
- Standard monthly premium
- Annual deductible
- Income-related adjustment amounts
Beneficiaries receive updated information through official Medicare communications once finalized.
As of February 26, 2026, CMS has not published a new deductible figure beyond the last confirmed amount.
How the Deductible Affects Beneficiaries
The deductible represents the amount a beneficiary must pay out of pocket for covered services before Medicare begins paying.
For example:
If the deductible remains $240, a beneficiary would pay the first $240 of approved Part B services in the calendar year. After meeting that threshold, Medicare covers 80% of eligible costs.
This structure applies to:
- Doctor office visits
- Outpatient procedures
- Diagnostic tests
- Physical therapy
Preventive services, such as certain screenings, may be covered without applying the deductible if Medicare rules designate them as preventive benefits.
Relationship Between Deductible and Premium
The Medicare Part B premium is separate from the deductible.
In 2025, the standard monthly premium is $174.70.
Beneficiaries with higher incomes may pay more due to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA).
The deductible works alongside the premium but covers different aspects of cost-sharing.
Premiums are paid monthly. The deductible applies annually.
Supplemental Coverage and the Deductible
Many beneficiaries carry supplemental insurance, such as:
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)
- Employer retiree coverage
- Medicaid (for eligible individuals)
Some Medigap plans help cover coinsurance after the deductible is met. However, certain newer Medigap plans do not cover the Part B deductible due to federal policy changes implemented in 2020.
Beneficiaries should review their plan details to understand coverage.
Why Stability Matters
The Part B deductible affects budgeting for millions of Americans aged 65 and older.
Stable deductible amounts allow beneficiaries to plan healthcare spending more accurately.
A sudden increase can affect fixed-income households more significantly.
That is why CMS announcements receive national attention each year.
What Beneficiaries Should Do Now
Until the official 2026 Medicare Part B deductible is announced:
- Continue budgeting based on the most recent confirmed amount
- Monitor official Medicare updates
- Review supplemental insurance coverage
- Prepare for open enrollment adjustments if needed
Open enrollment typically runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.
Updated cost information becomes critical during that period.
Common Questions About the 2026 Medicare Part B Deductible
Has CMS confirmed the 2026 deductible?
No. As of February 26, 2026, CMS has not released a new deductible figure beyond the most recently confirmed amount.
Does the deductible apply to hospital stays?
No. Hospital stays fall under Medicare Part A, which has a separate deductible.
Does everyone pay the same deductible?
Yes. The Part B deductible applies uniformly to all beneficiaries enrolled in Part B.
Can the deductible change mid-year?
No. CMS sets the deductible annually for the calendar year.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Medicare Part B deductible has not yet been officially announced as of February 26, 2026.
- The most recently confirmed deductible (2025) is $240 per year.
- CMS typically releases updated deductible and premium information in the fall.
- The deductible applies to outpatient medical services covered under Part B.
- After meeting the deductible, Medicare pays 80% of approved costs.
Beneficiaries should rely on official CMS updates for final confirmation.
Medicare costs remain one of the most important financial considerations for retirees and eligible Americans. As soon as CMS publishes the official 2026 Medicare Part B deductible, beneficiaries will have clear guidance for planning the year ahead.
Do you have questions about Medicare costs or coverage changes? Share your thoughts below and stay informed about upcoming updates.
