Medicare changes for 2026 raise Part B premiums, add a prior-authorization pilot, and narrow telehealth coverage

Starting in 2026, Medicare Part B premiums increase to $202.90 per month; a six-state prior-authorization pilot called WISeR began on Jan. 1; and Medicare narrowed telehealth coverage with a Jan. 31 rule requiring many virtual visits to occur from a rural medical facility.

Medicare is implementing several changes that take effect at the start of 2026. The updates affect monthly premiums, prior-authorization rules, and telehealth coverage. Officials present the measures as part of program management and efforts to address spending patterns. The adjustments are being phased in with specific dates and a multi-year pilot. What is changing: - Part B standard premiums increase to $202.90 per month in 2026, up from $185 in 2025, a $17.90 year-over-year rise. - A pilot program called WISeR began on Jan. 1 and requires prior authorization for certain procedures and devices; it will run for six years in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington. - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has described the WISeR program as targeting items and services that have been a source of fraud, waste, abuse, and inappropriate utilization. - Medicare narrowed telehealth coverage effective Jan. 31 so that many telehealth visits are covered only when the beneficiary is at a physical medical facility in a rural area, with exceptions such as behavioral health, kidney disease care, and stroke evaluations. - The premium increase, which is often deducted from Social Security benefits, was noted alongside a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment to those benefits. Summary: These changes affect costs, approval steps, and where some telehealth visits can take place. The WISeR prior-authorization pilot will run for six years in the named states, and the telehealth rule change is effective Jan. 31; further federal steps were not stated.