What is known about 2027 so far
CMS sets the Part A and Part B amounts in one yearly announcement, a fact sheet titled "Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles." The 2027 version hadn't been posted as of November 13, 2026, so we don't print a 2027 premium, and you should be wary of any site that states one as fact before CMS does. Some 2027 amounts are already official:
| Amount | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Part B standard premium (monthly) | $202.90 | Not yet published |
| Part B deductible | $283 | Not yet published |
| Part B coinsurance for most services | 20% | 20% (set by law) |
| Part B late penalty per full 12 months | 10% | 10% (set by law) |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 | $2,400 |
The full list of published 2027 amounts is on Medicare costs in 2027.
How the Part B premium is set
By law, the standard premium covers about a quarter of the cost of Part B for people 65 and older, and the federal government pays the rest. When Part B spending rises, so does the premium. If you get Social Security, your notice for January shows the new cost-of-living adjustment and the new Part B premium together, and a "hold harmless" rule keeps most people's Social Security check from going down because of a Part B increase.
What North Carolinians should do now
- Public retirees: most North Carolina state and local jobs are covered by Social Security, so most retirees will see the 2027 premium come out of their Social Security check. If you're not collecting Social Security yet, Medicare will bill you; Medicare Easy Pay draws the new amount automatically.
- State Health Plan retirees: the Plan's 2027 Open Enrollment closed October 30, 2026. Your Part B premium is separate from any Plan premium; see State Health Plan retirees and Medicare.
- Higher incomes: 2027 IRMAA will use your 2025 tax return. If you retired in 2025 or 2026, see how to lower IRMAA after you retire.
- Limited income: NC Medicaid's MQB programs pay the Part B premium, whatever it turns out to be, for people with income up to 135% of the federal poverty level. Check the savings programs screener.
- Plan choices: Medicare's Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs through December 7, 2026. The Part B premium is the same whichever plan you choose, so compare plans on their own costs. To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
What does Medicare cost per month in North Carolina?
All the monthly pieces.
What is IRMAA?
Income-based premiums.
Do I pay a premium for Part A?
The 40-quarter rule.
Sources
- CMS — Newsroom (where the 2027 Parts A & B amounts will be announced)
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
- Medicare.gov — Medicare costs
- Social Security POMS HI 01101.010 — Tax year used for IRMAA
- CMS — CY 2027 Rate Announcement (Part D out-of-pocket cap)
- State Health Plan — 2027 Open Enrollment (October 12–30, 2026)
- NC Medicaid — MA-2252 Non-MAGI income and reserve limits (MQB) (PDF)
More questions in this guide
- Do I have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A?
- How do I lower my IRMAA after I retire?
- How much does Medicare cost per month in North Carolina?
- What is IRMAA and will I have to pay it?
Part of the guide: Medicare costs in 2026 for North Carolinians · All questions
Frequently asked questions
When will the 2027 Part B premium be announced?
CMS announces the next year's Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and IRMAA brackets each fall; the 2026 amounts came out on November 14, 2025. Social Security then sends each person who gets benefits a notice showing the new premium.
Will my 2027 Part B premium depend on my income?
Yes, if your income is high enough. Social Security will use the modified adjusted gross income on your 2025 federal tax return to decide whether you pay an income-related amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium.
Does the Part B premium change if I live in a different North Carolina county?
No. The Part B premium and deductible are set nationally. What changes by county is your choice of Medicare Advantage plans, which set their own premiums on top of Part B.
Medicare in your North Carolina county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Wake · Mecklenburg · Guilford · Forsyth · Durham · Cumberland · Buncombe · Union · Johnston · Cabarrus · New Hanover · Gaston · Onslow · Iredell · Alamance · Pitt · Davidson · Brunswick · Catawba · Rowan · All 100 counties →
