Every Number That Changed for 2026
CMS finalized the 2026 figures on November 14, 2025. Here’s what California beneficiaries pay this year compared to last — every figure verified against the official fact sheet.
| Item | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B standard premium | $185.00/mo | $202.90/mo | +$17.90 |
| Part B annual deductible | $257 | $283 | +$26 |
| Part A inpatient deductible | $1,676 | $1,736 | +$60 |
| Hospital days 61–90 | $419/day | $434/day | +$15 |
| Lifetime reserve days | $838/day | $868/day | +$30 |
| SNF days 21–100 | $209.50/day | $217.00/day | +$7.50 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,000 | $2,100 | +$100 |
| Part D max deductible | $590 | $615 | +$25 |
| IRMAA starts at (single) | $106,000 | $109,000 | +$3,000 |
| MA in-network OOP max | $9,350 | $9,250 | −$100 |
The Part B Jump: Why $17.90 More?
The 9.7% premium increase is one of the larger year-over-year jumps in recent history, driven by projected spending growth and utilization. For Californians on fixed incomes, the increase eats into the 2026 Social Security COLA — check whether a Medicare Savings Program can absorb it entirely.
The One Number That Went Down
The Medicare Advantage in-network out-of-pocket maximum dropped $100 to $9,250. That’s the federal ceiling — many California plans set limits far lower, often $3,500–$7,550. When comparing plans, the MOOP is arguably more important than the premium.
What Didn’t Change
- $35/month insulin cap — continues for all covered insulin products
- Free vaccines — ACIP-recommended vaccines remain $0 under Part D
- California’s Medigap birthday rule — your annual 30-day switching window is unchanged
What to Do Before AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
- Run your income through the IRMAA calculator — thresholds moved up $3,000
- Re-check your drug costs against the new $2,100 cap
- Review your plan’s ANOC (Annual Notice of Change) letter in September
- Compare 2026 plans in your county — or have a licensed agent do the comparison free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the Part B premium increase for 2026?
The standard Part B premium rose from $185.00 to $202.90 per month — a $17.90 (9.7%) increase, one of the larger jumps in recent years.
Did anything get cheaper in 2026?
Yes — the Medicare Advantage in-network out-of-pocket maximum dropped from $9,350 to $9,250. Most other figures increased.
Did the Part D cap change for 2026?
Yes. The out-of-pocket cap rose from $2,000 (2025) to $2,100 (2026), indexed annually under the Inflation Reduction Act.