How Much Does Medicare Cost Per Month in 2026?
Reviewed by Galit Sacajiu MD, MPH
Medicare is not free. Most people know that, but the full picture of what Medicare costs per month is less clear. Your total monthly cost depends on which parts of Medicare you have and whether you add supplemental coverage.
Part A: Usually $0 Per Month
Most people pay nothing for Medicare Part A. If you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters), your Part A premium is $0.
If you have 30 to 39 quarters of work history, the 2026 premium is $284 per month. Fewer than 30 quarters means $518 per month. These situations are uncommon.
Part B: $202.90 Per Month (Standard)
The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 per month. This is what most people pay. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, this amount is deducted from your monthly check.
Higher earners pay more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts, or IRMAA. If your income two years ago exceeded $106,000 as an individual (or $212,000 for a married couple filing jointly), expect to pay more:
- •$106,001 to $133,000 individual: $285.90/month
- •$133,001 to $167,000 individual: $374.20/month
- •$167,001 to $200,000 individual: $459.40/month
- •Over $500,000 individual: $594.10/month
Part D: $0 to $100+ Per Month
Part D prescription drug plans are sold by private insurers, and premiums vary. The average 2026 Part D premium is around $35 to $55 per month. Low-cost plans in some areas start below $10 per month, though these plans often have limited formularies. If you take expensive specialty drugs, a plan with a higher premium but better coverage may save you money overall.
Higher earners pay a Part D IRMAA as well, ranging from about $13 to $81 per month on top of the plan premium.
Medicare Advantage: Replaces Part A + B
If you choose Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare, you still pay your Part B premium ($202.90) plus the plan premium. The 2026 average Advantage plan premium is $14 per month. Many plans cost $0 in addition to Part B. A few premium plans run $50 to $100 per month.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Adds to Part A + B
If you have Original Medicare and want to cover the gaps, Medigap premiums vary by age and state. For a 65-year-old, Plan G typically costs $100 to $160 per month. That number increases with age.
Total Monthly Cost Examples
Someone on Original Medicare with Plan G and a Part D plan might pay: $202.90 (Part B) + $140 (Plan G) + $40 (Part D) = about $383 per month total.
Someone on a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage included pays: $202.90 per month total.
The right choice depends on how much care you use and how much premium certainty you want. See our [Medicare costs guide](/medicare-costs) and [Advantage vs. Supplement comparison](/medicare-advantage-vs-supplement) for a deeper breakdown.