Medicare basics · 2026 costs
Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, explained in plain English.
What each part covers, what it costs in 2026, and when you can sign up — plus the late penalties that catch people off guard. When you're ready, a licensed agent can compare plans in your ZIP code.
- 2026 costs
- Enrollment dates
- Penalties explained
2026 costs
What each part covers and costs
| Topic | What it covers | 2026 cost |
|---|---|---|
| Part A — Hospital | Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, some home health | $0 premium for most people · $1,736 deductible per benefit period |
| Part B — Medical | Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment | $202.90/month standard premium · $283 yearly deductible · usually 20% coinsurance |
| Part C — Medicare Advantage | Private plans that cover everything A and B do, usually with drug coverage and extras | Premiums vary by plan · in-network out-of-pocket max up to $9,250 |
| Part D — Prescription drugs | Outpatient prescription drugs | Premiums vary · deductible up to $615 · $2,100 out-of-pocket cap |
2026 figures. Higher incomes pay more for Parts B and D (IRMAA). CMS announces 2027 amounts in the fall.
Part A hospital costs in 2026
| Days in hospital | You pay |
|---|---|
| Days 1–60 | $1,736 deductible per benefit period |
| Days 61–90 | $434 per day |
| Days 91+ (lifetime reserve days) | $868 per day |
| Skilled nursing, days 21–100 | $217 per day |
Timing matters
When you can sign up or switch
Turning 65
Initial Enrollment Period
7 months: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, that month, and the 3 months after.
Missed it?
General Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31 each year. Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and late penalties may apply.
Every fall
Open Enrollment
October 15 – December 7. Join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for coverage starting January 1.
Early year
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31. If you're on an Advantage plan, switch plans or return to Original Medicare once.
Avoid these
Late enrollment penalties
Part B
10% per year, for life
Your premium goes up 10% for each full 12 months you could have had Part B but didn't — unless you had group coverage from current employment.
Part D
1% per month, for life
Added if you go 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period.
Part A
If you buy Part A
Most people get Part A free. If you have to buy it and sign up late, your premium can go up 10% for twice the years you delayed.
Medicare Supplement
Filling the gaps in Original Medicare
Medigap Open Enrollment
6 months starting the month you're 65+ and enrolled in Part B. Federal law guarantees you can buy any Medigap plan sold in your state, regardless of health.
Plan G and Plan N
Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible. Plan N has a lower premium but also leaves the Part B deductible to you, with copays up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits.
Plans C and F
Only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Advantage vs. Medigap →Medicare parts FAQ
How much is Medicare Part B in 2026?
The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month, with a $283 yearly deductible. People with higher incomes pay more through an income-related adjustment (IRMAA).
Is Part A free?
For most people, yes — if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years. Otherwise Part A costs $311 or $565 a month in 2026.
What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap?
In 2026, once you've paid $2,100 out of pocket for covered drugs, you pay nothing more for covered drugs for the rest of the year.
Can I still buy Medigap Plan F?
Only if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. People new to Medicare since then usually compare Plan G and Plan N.
What is IRMAA?
An income-related monthly adjustment amount added to Part B and Part D premiums for higher earners. It's based on the tax return you filed two years earlier.
When can I change my Medicare plan?
During Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), or a Special Enrollment Period after certain life events.
Sources
Last reviewed by a licensed agent. Figures change each year — confirm current amounts at the sources above.
Questions about your Medicare options?
A licensed agent compares plans in your ZIP — no cost to you.