H.R. 9709: Medicare Premiums Reduction Act of 2026

This bill would change how much higher-income Medicare Part B enrollees pay in monthly premiums.

What Medicare Part B is

Medicare Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some other medical costs. Most people pay a standard monthly premium, but people with higher incomes pay extra through something called the income-related monthly adjustment amount (often shortened to IRMAA).

What the bill changes

The bill would revise the income thresholds and premium surcharge amounts used to decide when higher-income beneficiaries must pay more for Part B.

• It would keep the current higher-income premium rules in place through 2026.
• Starting in 2027, it would raise the income threshold for the first surcharge tier to $171,000 for individuals above which extra premiums would begin.
• It would also set new upper-income tiers for 2027 and later:
  • Income over $171,000 up to $205,000: 65% of the premium adjustment amount
  • Income over $205,000 up to under $500,000: 80%
  • Income of at least $500,000: 85%

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would change the income brackets used to charge higher Medicare Part B premiums and would make sure those brackets continue beyond 2026. Depending on a person’s income, this could mean paying more or less than under current rules, especially for people near the new threshold levels.

Relevant Companies

None found