2026 Medicare Part B Premiums Are Increasing: What West Virginia Residents Need to Know

Medicare beneficiaries in West Virginia will see important changes in 2026. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the official numbers for the 2026 Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles, and both are rising. You can see the full details in the official CMS fact sheet here:
2026 Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles fact sheet (CMS).

These changes matter whether you’re on a Medicare Supplement (Medigap), a Medicare Advantage plan, or preparing to enroll in Medicare for the first time. If you want to review the basics of Medicare in one place, you can also visit our local Medicare page here:
Songer Insurance Medicare page.

2026 Medicare Part B Premiums: What’s Changing?

CMS explained in the fact sheet that the standard Part B premium and the annual Part B deductible are both increasing for 2026. For many West Virginia retirees—especially those on fixed incomes—these numbers affect monthly budgets, drug plan decisions, and whether a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement is the better fit.

You can always review Medicare’s official program information at
Medicare.gov and
HealthCare.gov.

Standard Part B Premium Increase

In 2026, the standard monthly Part B premium will rise for most beneficiaries. This is the amount that comes out of your Social Security check (or that you pay directly if you’re not yet receiving Social Security). Higher-income beneficiaries will continue to pay IRMAA (income-related monthly adjustment amount) surcharges based on their IRS tax returns.

Part B Deductible Increase

The annual Part B deductible is also increasing. Anyone on Medicare Supplement Plan G will feel this most, because Plan G requires you to pay the Part B deductible each year. If you’re on Plan N, you also pay the deductible plus certain copays for office and ER visits.

For a deeper local explanation of how these pieces fit together, visit the
Songer Insurance Medicare page.

Why These Costs Are Increasing

According to CMS, the premium and deductible changes are tied to higher projected Medicare spending, increased use of outpatient services, rising healthcare costs, and financial adjustments needed to keep the Medicare program stable.

How These Changes Affect West Virginians

Whether you’re in Beckley, Oak Hill, Princeton, or Charleston, all West Virginians on Medicare will be affected by these 2026 Part B cost changes in one way or another. Here’s what to expect based on your type of coverage.

If You Have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

The 2026 Part B deductible increase will matter most for:

• Plan G – You pay the annual Part B deductible out-of-pocket before the plan pays its share.
• Plan N – You pay the deductible plus certain copays for office and ER visits.

Your Medicare Supplement benefits themselves do not change just because Part B costs go up. You do not have to change your Medicare Supplement during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), but you should review your Part D prescription drug plan each year.

If you’re unsure how your Supplement and Part D plan work with the new 2026 Medicare Part B premiums and deductible, we can walk you through it at no cost on our
Medicare page.

If You Have a Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may adjust premiums, copays, networks, and maximum out-of-pocket limits for 2026. As Part B premiums and deductibles change, it’s important to compare plan details carefully during AEP instead of letting your current plan automatically renew. The Plan Finder tool at
Medicare.gov is a useful starting point.

If You Receive Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program

If you qualify for Extra Help with prescription drug costs or a Medicare Savings Program that pays your Part B premium, the 2026 changes may impact you differently. Some or all of your Part B premium may be paid by a state program, but it’s important to confirm eligibility each year.

What West Virginians Should Do Going Into 2026

• Review your drug plan. Formularies, premiums, and preferred pharmacies change each year.
• Compare Medicare Advantage benefits. Copays, networks, and out-of-pocket limits may shift.
• Check eligibility for financial assistance. Programs like Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs can offset rising costs.
• Get local guidance. Medicare decisions are personal, and local advice can help you avoid costly mistakes.

How Songer Insurance Helps (Always Free)

At Songer Insurance in Beckley, we help Medicare beneficiaries across West Virginia understand the 2026 Medicare Part B premium and deductible changes, compare Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage options, review Part D drug plans, and explore assistance programs.

Our services are always free, and we’re local. To learn more about how these 2026 changes affect you, start here:
Songer Insurance Medicare page.