Medicare Income Limits for 2026
If you earn more than $109,000 ($218,000 if you're married), you pay higher monthly rates for both Medicare Part B (doctor visits) and D (prescription drugs).
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For 2026, your costs for Medicare Parts B and D are based on the income on your 2024 tax return. You won't pay any extra if you earned $109,000 or less as an individual, or $218,000 or less if you are married and file your taxes together.
If your income and other financial resources are below about $30,000 per year for 2025, you might qualify for programs that lower your Medicare costs including monthly rates, deductibles and coinsurance.
What are the income limits for Medicare in 2026?
The 2026 Medicare income limit is $109,000 for individuals and $218,000 for couples. Those numbers are based on your income on your 2024 tax return.
If you earned more than the Medicare income limit, you'll pay more for Medicare Part B (medical coverage) and Part D (prescription coverage). The extra amount you'll pay depends on your income: The more you earn, the higher your monthly cost.
What income is used to determine Medicare rates?
Medicare uses your normal income with some deductions added back in, called modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), when determining whether you'll be charged a higher rate.
This number won't appear on your tax return, but you can find it by adding your income after tax deductions and any tax-free interest.
Your income won't affect how much you pay for the other parts of Medicare.
People who earn a high income only have to worry about paying extra for Medicare Part B (hospital visits) and Part D (prescription drugs). Everyone who has Medicare needs to pay the Part B monthly rate, but Part D plans are optional.
Which Medicare costs are based on income in 2026?
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- Medicare Part A costs $0 per month for most people. You pay for Medicare Part A when you're working, through your income taxes. If you haven't paid at least 10 years, you may need to pay a monthly rate. However, you won't pay an extra cost for Part A if you earn a high income.
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) rates don't depend on your income. These plans offer bundled coverage and are sold and managed by private companies. It's important to remember, you still have to pay for Medicare Part B even if you're enrolled in a Medicare Part C plan.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan rates are set by private companies and have nothing to do with your income. These plans help cover the costs you're responsible for with Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Most people will pay the standard Medicare Part B rate in 2026. For Part D, you pay the rate for the plan you choose. You may pay extra to Medicare for both Part B and Part D, depending on your income.
Part B and Part D rates are taken automatically from your Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefit payments. If you don't get a monthly payment, Medicare will send you a bill.
Medicare Part B rates
For 2026, the standard Medicare Part B monthly rate is about $203. But you will pay higher rates if you earned more than $109,000 on your individual 2024 tax return or more than $218,000 on a joint return.
For instance, people who made $110,000 in 2024 will pay roughly $284 per month for Medicare Part B in 2026.
Medicare Part B monthly rate for 2026
Individual income | Joint income | Part B rate |
|---|---|---|
| Less than or equal to $109,000 | Less than or equal to $218,000 | $202.90 |
| $109,001-$137,000 | $218,001-$274,000 | $284.10 |
| $137,001-$171,000 | $274,001-$342,000 | $405.80 |
| $171,001-$205,000 | $342,001-$410,000 | $527.50 |
| $205,001-$500,000 | $410,001-$750,000 | $649.20 |
| $500,000+ | $750,000+ | $689.90 |
Monthly rates are based on 2024 income.
The added charge is known as an income-related monthly adjustment amount, or IRMAA.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines your IRMAA based on the modified adjusted gross income on your tax return. If the Social Security Administration finds that you owe a higher rate, the agency will mail you a letter to let you know your payment amount.
Part B immunosuppressive drug coverage only
Part B immunosuppressive drug coverage is a way to continue some coverage if you're eligible for Medicare because of end-stage renal disease. You can enroll when you're no longer eligible for full benefits, three years after a successful kidney transplant. How much you pay for the coverage will depend on your income.
Immunosuppressive drug coverage cost
Individual income | Joint income | Part B rate |
|---|---|---|
| Less than or equal to $109,000 | Less than or equal to $218,000 | $121.60 |
| $109,001-$137,000 | $218,001-$274,000 | $202.70 |
| $137,001-$171,000 | $274,001-$342,000 | $324.30 |
| $171,001-$205,000 | $342,001-$410,000 | $445.90 |
| $205,001-$500,000 | $410,001-$750,000 | $567.50 |
| $500,000+ | $750,000+ | $608.10 |
Monthly rates are based on 2024 income.
This is a new Medicare benefit that started in 2023 and only covers immunosuppressive drugs. This benefit is separate from Original Medicare Part B and is not a full health insurance plan.
Medicare Part D rates
The income limits for Medicare Part D are the same as the Part B amounts. So you'll pay extra for Medicare Part D if your modified adjusted gross income for 2024 was more than $109,000 as an individual ($218,000 for a married couple).
For example, if you earned $124,000 in 2024 and filed an individual return, you would pay an extra $14.50 per month for Part D in 2026.
Medicare Part D extra monthly rate in 2026
Individual income | Joint income | Extra amount |
|---|---|---|
| Less than or equal to $109,000 | Less than or equal to $218,000 | $0.00 |
| $109,001-$137,000 | $218,001-$274,000 | $14.50 |
| $137,001-$171,000 | $274,001-$342,000 | $37.50 |
| $171,001-$205,000 | $342,001-$410,000 | $60.40 |
| $205,001-$500,000 | $410,001-$750,000 | $83.30 |
| $500,000+ | $750,000+ | $91.00 |
Based on your 2024 annual income
This extra amount is added on top of the price of the Part D plan you choose. The monthly costs of Medicare Part D plans are set by each insurance company. If you have Part D, you pay a monthly amount to your insurance company for your coverage. But if you're charged more based on income, you pay the extra amount directly to Medicare.
Medicare Extra Help 2025 income limits
The income limits for Medicare Extra Help in 2025 are $22,590 for an individual and $30,660 for a married couple living together.
You also can't have assets, such as savings, investments and real estate, worth more than $17,220 if you're single or $34,360 if you are married and live with your spouse. You must meet each of these requirements to qualify for Extra Help.
Extra Help income limits chart for 2025
Single | Married | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $22,590 | $30,660 |
| Asset limit | $17,220 | $34,360 |
Limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii. If you have income from working, you may qualify for benefits even if your income is higher than the limits listed.
The Medicare Extra Help program helps pay for some of your Part D costs including monthly rates, annual drug deductibles and prescription copayments. In 2025, you'll pay a maximum of $4.90 for each generic prescription or $12.15 for each brand-name prescription. Extra Help is estimated to save enrollees about $492 every month.
You can apply for Medicare Extra Help online, at your local Social Security office or over the phone by calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).
Income limits for Medicare Savings Programs
The 2025 income limits for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are $20,580 per year for an individual and $27,840 per year for a married couple, in many cases.
There are higher income limits if you have a disability and are working. Plus, in about a third of the country, it's easier to qualify because there are higher limits for income or financial resources.
There are four kinds of Medicare Savings Programs, each with its own income and resource qualifications. As with the Extra Help program, you must meet both the income and resources requirements to qualify for a savings program.
Medicare Savings Program (MSP) types
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- Qualified Individual (QI)
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI)
QMB
SLMB
QI
QDWI
Single | Married | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $15,300 | $20,688 |
| Asset limit | $9,430 | $14,130 |
Income limits are for 2025.
QMB
Single | Married | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $15,300 | $20,688 |
| Asset limit | $9,430 | $14,130 |
Income limits are for 2025.
SLMB
Single | Married | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $18,312 | $24,768 |
| Asset limit | $9,430 | $14,130 |
Income limits are for 2025.
QI
Single | Married | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $20,580 | $27,840 |
| Asset limit | $9,430 | $14,130 |
Income limits are for 2025.
QDWI
Single | Married | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | $61,260 | $82,788 |
| Asset limit | $4,000 | $6,000 |
Income limits are for 2025.
The federal government pays for Medicare Savings Programs, but individual state Medicaid agencies run them. These programs help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare costs that include monthly rates and out-of-pocket costs, such as your deductible, copays and coinsurance.
You can apply for a Medicare Savings Program through your state's Medicaid office. To find the contact info for your area, select your state on Medicaid.gov.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Medicare income limits for 2026?
In 2026, you'll pay more for Medicare if you made at least $109,000 as a single person ($218,000 for a married couple) in 2024. The extra costs you'll pay for Medicare Parts B and D rise with your income until you reach $500,000 per year as an individual ($750,000 for a couple).
What income is used to determine Medicare premiums for 2026?
Your 2026 Medicare rates are set using your income from 2024 to determine if you'll pay an extra fee for Medicare Part B and Part D. The government uses your total income for the year with certain deductions added back in, called your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), to determine how much you pay for Medicare.
How can I save on Medicare?
The best way to save on your Medicare costs is by qualifying for Medicare Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program. It's a good idea to reach out to your state's Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to find out if you're eligible.
How are Medicare premiums calculated?
Medicare Part B (doctor visits) premiums, also called monthly rates, are calculated based on your income. If you make less than $109,000 per year ($218,000 per year for a couple), you'll pay a base rate of about $203 per month. Those who make more than that amount will pay an extra monthly cost that goes up with your income, called IRMAA.
How much is Medicare going up in 2026?
The cost of Medicare Part B is going up from $185 per month to $202.90 per month in 2026. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the average cost of coverage is dropping from $28 per month to $27 per month in the coming year.
Sources
Information on Medicare income limits, Medicare Savings Programs and the Extra Help program was from several sources, including Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, SSA.gov, Benefits.gov, IRS.gov, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
Senior Writer
Talon Abernathy is a ValuePenguin Senior Writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. He's also contributed to other insurance verticals including home, renters, auto, motorcycle and flood insurance.
Talon came to ValuePenguin in 2023. Since his arrival, he's helped to expand the site's health insurance-related content offerings. He enjoys helping readers understand the ins and outs of America's all too complicated health insurance landscape.
Before coming to ValuePenguin, Talon worked as a freelance writer. His prior work has touched on a broad range of personal finance-related topics including credit-building strategies, small business incorporation tactics and creative ways to save for retirement.
Insurance tip
In many parts of the country, you can qualify for a free Silver health insurance plan if you meet certain income requirements. Government subsidies in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions may mean you'll pay nothing for coverage.
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