Medicare

Demystify Medicare’s 2026 Alphabet Soup Now

Master Medicare in minutes. Understand how Parts A, B, C, and D work together for your 2026 coverage, so you can make smart decisions with ease.

What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease.

The Four Parts of Medicare Explained

Part A: Hospital Insurance
Think of Part A as your coverage for “room and board” in a healthcare facility.

  • What it covers: Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
  • Cost for Most People: You typically don’t pay a monthly premium if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”
  • 2026 Note: The Part A deductible for each benefit period is $1,700 for 2026, which covers your first 60 days in the hospital.

Part B: Medical Insurance
If Part A is for when you’re in a facility, Part B is for care you get outside of one.

  • What it covers: Doctor visits, preventive services (like screenings and vaccines), ambulance services, durable medical equipment (like walkers), and outpatient care.
  • Cost: Everyone pays a monthly premium. The standard Part B premium for 2026 is $180.50 per month, though it can be higher based on your income. The annual Part B deductible is $250.

Part C: Medicare Advantage
Part C is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A & B). These are “all-in-one” plans offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

  • What it covers: They must provide all the same coverage as Part A and Part B. Most also include Part D (prescription drug coverage) and extra benefits like routine dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships.
  • Cost: You pay the Part B premium and may also pay an additional monthly premium for the Advantage plan (though many plans have a $0 premium).
  • Important: You still have Medicare, but the private company manages your benefits.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
This part helps cover the cost of prescription medications.

  • What it covers: Both brand-name and generic drugs. Each plan has a formulary (list of covered drugs) that you should check annually.
  • Cost: You pay a monthly premium to a private insurance company, which varies by plan. There may also be copays or coinsurance for your prescriptions.
  • 2026 Note: The $35 cap on insulin and free adult vaccines continue in 2026.

Putting It All Together: Your Two Main Paths

  1. Original Medicare: Part A + Part B. You can add a standalone Part D plan for drugs and a Medigap (Supplement) plan to help with out-of-pocket costs.
  2. Medicare Advantage: Part C, which bundles A, B, and usually D.

Choosing the right path depends on your health needs, budget, and preferences. At Medicare.social, we’re here to help you navigate these choices. Contact us today for a free, personalized consultation!