Looking at Medicare Part B and its premium increase history
Medicare Part B premiums have increased over the years, and projections show a continued rise in costs. This is largely due to ever-increasing healthcare service and medication costs.
Most people ages 65 years and over, and some people below the age of 65 years with specific medical conditions, are eligible for Medicare.
A person can choose to enroll in Medicare Part A only, which covers inpatient hospital care. Most people will not pay a premium for Part A.
They can also decide to enroll in Part B, which covers outpatient medical services and some limited medications, and pay a monthly premium.
Part B premium costs are dependent on a person’s income, but the basic premium generally increases annually.
In 2025, the standard monthly Part B premium is $185, but it has typically increased over the years, starting at just $4 in 1970.
The following table shows Part B premiums costs and how they have increased over time.
Cost fluctuations occurred during this time, including a slight premium decrease in 2000 compared to 1995, again in 2015 compared to 2010, and again in 2023 compared to 2022.
In the coming years, projections point toward further increases, although these amounts have not been confirmed:
Since 2007, if a person’s income exceeds a specific threshold, they pay an additional income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).
IRMAA is based on an individual’s reported earnings from 2 years prior, so to calculate their 2025 IRMAA, a person would use their 2023 tax returns.
If inflation remains steady, the 2026 projected IRMAA brackets and associated premiums, based on the 2024 Medicare Trustees Report, are as follows:
The 2026 Part B projections for married people filing their taxes separately are as yet unavailable.
Before Part B pays its share of eligible expenses, a person must pay the annual deductible, which in 2025 is $257.
There is also a 20% coinsurance for many services, with Medicare covering the remaining 80%.
In some instances, the deductible and coinsurance will not apply, such as for some clinical lab tests and preventive services.
Since 1970, Medicare Part B premiums have gradually increased, fluctuating along the way.
Projected costs suggest there will be further increases in the years to come, should inflation remain steady.