Medicare Options
Medicare can be quite confusing and complex. Let's break down the four basic parts.
4 Parts
original Medicare
Medicare is divided into different parts, with each part helping cover specific healthcare needs. Understanding what each part covers can make it easier to determine which Medicare coverage options may be right for you.
Part A
Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health care services. Part A, together with Part B, makes up what is known as Original Medicare.
There are costs associated with Part A, particularly for Inpatient Hospital stays which is measured in benefit periods. In 2026, the Part A deductible per benefit period is $1,736. In addition to this deductible, you may incur further costs for hospital stays longer than 60 days, as well as for skilled nursing facility care.
Part B
Medicare Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and other medically necessary services. Together, Parts A and B make up Original Medicare.You must pay a monthly premium if you want Part B coverage. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90. You’ll pay more if you have a higher income.
There are additional costs with Part B, including an annual deductible. In 2026, the Part B deductible is $283. You are responsible for paying all Part B costs up to this deductible. After it’s met, Medicare generally covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services, and you are responsible for the remaining 20%.
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Individual Tax Return
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Joint Tax Return
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Married & Separate Tax Return
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You Pay In 2026
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|---|---|---|---|
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109,000 or less
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$218,00 or less
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$109,000 or less
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$202.90
|
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$109,001 – $137,000
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$218,001-$274,000
|
N/A
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$284.10
($202.90 + $81.20)
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|
$137,001- $171,000
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$274,001- $342,000
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N/A
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$405.80 ($202.90 +$202.90)
|
|
$171,001- $205,000
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$342,001-$410,000
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N/A
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$527.50 ($202.90 +$324.60)
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|
$205,001-$499,999
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$410,001-$749,999
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$109,001 - $391,000
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$649.50 ($202.90 +$446.30)
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|
$500,000+
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$750,000+
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$391,001+
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$689.90 ($202.90 +$487.00)
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Part C
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a Medicare-approved private insurance company. Medicare Advantage plans include your Part A and Part B benefits and often include Part D prescription drug coverage. Many plans may also offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
Each Medicare Advantage plan can have its own rules for how you receive care—such as using doctors within the plan’s network, needing referrals for specialists, or prior approval for certain services or prescriptions. All plans must cover emergency and urgent care, along with nearly all medically necessary services covered by Original Medicare. Some plans may also offer added benefits for specific health conditions.
Out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Advantage plans differ from Original Medicare and include an annual maximum limit on what you pay. Premiums, benefits, and costs vary depending on the plan you choose.
You must have both Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Part D
Medicare drug coverage (Part D) plans are Medicare-approved plans offered by private insurance companies to helps pay for your prescription drugs. It’s optional and offered to everyone with Medicare. coverage.
There are 2 ways to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D):
Medicare drug coverage (Part D) plans are Medicare-approved plans offered by private insurance companies to helps pay for your prescription drugs. It’s optional and offered to everyone with Medicare.
Even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, consider getting Medicare drug coverage. If you decide not to get it when you’re first eligible for Medicare Part A and/or B, and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage (like drug coverage from an employer or union) or get Extra Help, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty that’s added to your monthly premium if you join a plan later.
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