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
- Annual Deductible (2026)
- $283 USDThen 20% coinsurance with no cap
- 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
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
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Ready for your next step?
Bring what you learned about Part B (Medical) into the guided walk-through, or talk it through with a licensed agent.