Original Medicare
Part B (Medical)
Outpatient care, doctors, and preventive services. You pay 20%, Medicare pays 80%, after a $283 annual deductible in 2026.
The quick version
If you only read one thing, read this
- 1
Doctor visits, outpatient surgery, imaging, preventive services, DME, and some infused drugs.
- 2
2026 standard premium: $202.90/month. Annual deductible: $283. Then 20% coinsurance with no cap.
- 3
No health underwriting; income-based IRMAA surcharges may apply above $109,000 single / $218,000 joint.
The details
The stuff that matters, one piece at a time
Benefits
Doctor visits, outpatient surgery, imaging, preventive services, DME, and some infused drugs.
What it costs
Show me the money
- Standard Premium (2026)
- $202.90/mo USDIRMAA surcharges above $109k/$218k income
- Part A Deductible (2026)
- $1,736 USDPer benefit period
- Annual Deductible (2026)
- $283 USDThen 20% coinsurance with no cap
- Out-of-Pocket Cap
- NoneNo annual limit on Part A/B cost sharing
- Coinsurance After Deductible
- 20%No annual out-of-pocket maximum
The honest take
What's good, and where it falls short
The good stuff
- Covers outpatient care, preventive services, imaging, DME
- Nationwide provider acceptance
- Preventive services covered at 100% (no deductible)
The catch
- No annual cap on 20% coinsurance exposure
- Premium ($202.90 in 2026) plus IRMAA for higher incomes
- Does not cover routine dental, most vision, or hearing aids
Head to head
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare gives maximum flexibility but no spending cap. Advantage bundles everything with a MOOP.
Buyer beware
The mistakes that cost folks the most
No annual out-of-pocket maximum. Ongoing conditions or major surgery can generate unlimited 20% coinsurance
Not planning for IRMAA surcharges. Income above $109k (single) triggers higher Part B premiums with a 2-year lag
Late Part B enrollment penalty: 10% premium increase per 12-month period of delay, applied permanently
Common questions
What folks ask us most
Keep learning
Watch these next
The Insurance Hawk
Ready to put Part B (Medical) to work?
See the plans and the prices. Or talk it through with a licensed agent who works for you, not the insurance company.