Question 1

What is the Medicare Part B premium for 2027?

Accepted Answer

CMS has not yet published the 2027 standard Part B premium as of November 12, 2026. The latest confirmed standard monthly amount is $202.90 for 2026, according to the CMS 2026 Parts A and B fact sheet. Do not treat the Social Security COLA or a 2027 Medicare Advantage plan-premium estimate as the missing Part B number.

Question 2

How does the 2027 Social Security COLA affect my Medicare Part B cost?

Accepted Answer

SSA has announced a 3.6% increase in gross Social Security benefits for 2027, but CMS sets Part B premiums using a different process. If Part B is deducted from a person’s benefit, the change in the net payment depends on that person’s gross dollar increase minus the change in their Part B premium and any relevant adjustments. The individual notice and official CMS premium sheet are the inputs to compare.

Question 3

Who pays Medicare Part B IRMAA in 2027?

Accepted Answer

The applicable 2027 income thresholds and premiums need the official 2027 government schedule. In 2026, SSA lists the basic surcharge threshold at modified adjusted gross income above $109,000 for an individual or $218,000 for a joint-filing couple, usually using 2024 tax information. Those are 2026 thresholds and should not be relabeled as 2027 limits.

Question 4

Can the Medicare hold-harmless rule stop my Social Security check from shrinking?

Accepted Answer

For eligible people, SSA says the hold-harmless provision prevents a Part B premium increase alone from reducing a Social Security benefit payment. It has conditions tied to benefit receipt and premium withholding, and exceptions include new Part B enrollees and people paying IRMAA. It is not a guarantee that every person’s net deposit rises, and it does not pay deductibles or unrelated expenses.

Question 5

When can I change Medicare coverage for 2027?

Accepted Answer

Medicare.gov gives October 15 through December 7 as annual open enrollment, with eligible plan changes generally effective January 1 of the next year if received by the deadline. Compare coverage, drug costs and any plan premium separately from the federal Part B premium. The CMS 2027 Parts A and B announcement is the document that will answer the remaining standard-premium question.

Medicare Part B premium 2027 explained: COLA and IRMAA

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