How much is the Medicare Part B premium in 2026?

The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025, and the annual Part B deductible is $283.

Does SLMB pay the Part B premium?

Yes. SLMB pays the full Part B premium of $202.90 a month and nothing else. QMB pays the premium plus deductibles and coinsurance.

Will my Social Security check go up if I get an MSP?

Yes, if the premium was being deducted from it. Once the MSP buy-in starts, that deduction stops, so your net deposit rises by about $202.90 a month.

Does QI pay the Part B premium?

Yes. QI pays the full Part B premium, but its funding is limited and first-come, and you must reapply each year to keep it.

How long until the premium stops being withheld?

Usually one to three months after approval while the state buy-in processes. Any premiums withheld after your effective date are refunded.

Is the MSP Part B payment the same as a Medicare Advantage give-back?

No. They are unrelated. An MSP is a state program that pays the entire premium; a Part B give-back is a private Medicare Advantage feature that reduces only part of it.

How MSP Pays Your $202.90 Part B Premium in 2026

Every Medicare Savings Program tier — QMB, SLMB, and QI — pays your full Medicare Part B premium. In 2026 that premium is $202.90 a month, or about $2,435 a year. Because the premium is normally deducted straight from your Social Security check, getting an MSP usually means your monthly deposit goes up by $202.90 — real money back in your pocket.

The 2026 Part B premium

For 2026 the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month, up from $185.00 in 2025, and the annual Part B deductible is $283. Those figures come from the CMS 2026 Part B premium fact sheet. Most people pay the standard premium; higher earners pay more under IRMAA, but MSP income limits sit well below the IRMAA thresholds.

How the "Part B buy-in" works

Once your state approves your MSP, it enrolls you in what is called the state buy-in. The state then pays your Part B premium directly to Medicare every month. You stop being billed, and if the premium had been withheld from your Social Security, that withholding stops and your check goes up. You can see the standard costs on Medicare.gov.

All three tiers pay the premium — QMB pays more

Every tier covers the Part B premium. QMB goes further and covers your other Medicare cost-sharing too:

QMB — Part B premium plus deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. See what QMB covers
SLMB — Part B premium only. Read the SLMB explainer
QI — Part B premium only, first-come and reapplied yearly. Read the QI guide

When the money shows up in your check

Buy-in takes a month or two to process. QMB coverage generally starts the month after your state approves you. SLMB and QI can be backdated up to three months before your application if you qualified then — which sometimes produces a lump-sum refund of premiums you already paid. If a premium was withheld after your effective date, Social Security refunds it.

Do not confuse this with the Part B "give back"

Some Medicare Advantage plans advertise a Part B "give back" that reduces part of your premium. That is not the same as an MSP. A give-back is a private plan feature that returns only a portion of the premium and depends on which plan you join. An MSP comes from your state Medicaid agency, pays the entire premium, and works no matter which Medicare plan you have.

How much is that worth?

The premium alone is $202.90 times 12, or about $2,435 a year. For QMB members the total value is far higher once deductibles and coinsurance are added in. If your income is anywhere near the limits, it is worth checking — see your estimated savings free, or review the 2026 income limits first.

This article is for general education and is not legal, tax, or medical advice. Income limits, premiums, and program rules change and vary by state. Confirm your situation with your state Medicaid office, a free SHIP counselor, or Medicare.gov before acting.

How Medicare Savings Programs Pay Your Part B Premium in 2026