Medicare Part B Premium History, 2016–2026
The standard Medicare Part B premium was $202.90 per month as of Oct 2026, according to CMS and the Federal Register. That is 9.7% higher than a year earlier. Since January 2018 ($134), it is up 51.4%. In our data, which starts Jan 2016, the highest price was $202.90 (since Jan 2026) and the lowest was $121.80 (Jan 2016).
Medicare Part B Premium History since Jan 2016
Medicare Part B standard premium (monthly). Monthly values, step series. Weight in the Real Inflation index: 3.5%.
Medicare Part B premium: every recorded change
Price in January of each year
| Year | January price | vs year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $121.80 | |
| 2017 | $134 | +10.0% |
| 2018 | $134 | 0.0% |
| 2019 | $135.50 | +1.1% |
| 2020 | $144.60 | +6.7% |
| 2021 | $148.50 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $170.10 | +14.5% |
| 2023 | $164.90 | -3.1% |
| 2024 | $174.70 | +5.9% |
| 2025 | $185 | +5.9% |
| 2026 | $202.90 | +9.7% |
Source
Notes and caveats
- Standard monthly Part B premium, changing each Jan 1. In 2016-17 about 70% of enrollees were held harmless at lower premiums; the series uses the standard rate.
- Step series: each price applies from its change date until the next change. Monthly values hold the price in effect that month.
FAQ
How much is the Medicare Part B premium now?
The standard Medicare Part B premium was $202.90 per month as of Oct 2026 (+9.7% vs a year earlier). Source: CMS and the Federal Register.
How much was the Medicare Part B premium in 2018?
In January 2018 the standard Medicare Part B premium was $134 per month. Since then it has changed +51.4%.
When was the Medicare Part B premium most expensive?
In our data (starting Jan 2016), the highest price was $202.90 (since Jan 2026). The lowest was $121.80 (Jan 2016).
When did the price of the Medicare Part B premium last change?
The most recent change in our data took effect Jan 2026: from $185 to $202.90 (+9.7%). We have 10 recorded changes since Jan 2016.
How often is this page updated?
We re-check this item on every weekly refresh and record each official change with its effective date.