Medicare Part B: 

Medicare Part B is the component of Original Medicare that covers your outpatient medical services: doctor visits, lab tests, diagnostic screenings, durable medical equipment, ambulance transportation, and other outpatient care.

Unlike Medicare Part A (which covers hospital/inpatient care and is often premium-free for those who qualify), Part B generally requires you to pay a monthly premium and cost-sharing. If you’re still covered under a spouse’s employer health plan, you might consider delaying Part B enrollment — but if you don’t have other creditable coverage, delaying can result in a higher monthly premium or a late enrollment penalty.

Here are the projected 2026 cost details to keep in mind:

• The standard monthly premium for Part B is projected to be $206.50 for most enrollees, up from $185.00 in 2025. 
• The annual deductible (the amount you must pay each year before Medicare starts paying its share) is projected to increase to $288 in 2026 (up from $257 in 2025). 
• After the deductible is met, you generally pay 20% coinsurance for most covered Part B services (so Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for services from providers who accept assignment). 
• If you are collecting Social Security benefits, your Part B premium will usually be deducted from your monthly check.
• If you delay enrolling in Part B when you’re first eligible and you don’t have other credible coverage, you may face a late-enrollment penalty, which increases your monthly premium for as long as you’re enrolled. 
• Also note: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine prescription drugs, most dental care, routine vision or hearing exams, or routine eyeglasses/contacts (except in certain situations such as one pair of glasses after cataract surgery). You may want to explore supplemental coverage (e.g., a Medigap policy) or a Medicare Advantage plan for more complete coverage.