Medicare Part D

2026 Medicare Part D Changes

Starting January 1st, 2026:

Since 2011, a beneficiary’s Part D monthly premium has been based on his or her income. Approximately 8% of people with Medicare Part D pay these income-related monthly adjustment amounts. These individuals will pay the income-related monthly adjustment amount in addition to their Part D premium. Part D premiums vary by plan and, regardless of how a beneficiary pays their Part D premium, the Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts are deducted from Social Security benefit checks or paid directly to Medicare. Roughly two-thirds of beneficiaries pay premiums directly to the plan while the remainder have their premiums deducted from their Social Security benefit checks. The 2026 Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts for high-income beneficiaries are shown in the following table:

Medicare Part D IRMAA (Income-Related Monthy Adjustment Amount) is an additional premium that some Medicare Part D enrollees must pay. It applies to people with incomes above a certain threshold.

Medicare Part D is the prescription drug plan. You must have Part A and/or Part B to join a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Most people will pay a monthly premium for this coverage. Everyone with Medicare can get this coverage. It may help you lower prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future. Private companies provide the coverage. You choose the drug plan (there are many from which to choose) and pay a monthly premium. If you decide not to enroll in a drug plan when you are first eligible, you may have to pay a penalty if you join later.