Medicare Basics
This Medicare "part" covers hospital stays and most nursing facility care.
What is Part A?
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2026.
What is $202.90 per month?
If you delay enrolling in Part B past your initial enrollment period, this may apply.
What is a late enrollment penalty?
This part nearly everyone has but only pays a premium if you haven't worked enough quarters.
What is Part A?
In Texas, this type of Medicare plan remains popular because it combines coverage.
What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
This Medicare program is also known as "Original Medicare."
What is Part A and B?
The annual deductible for Medicare Part B in 2026
What is $283?
The penalty for not signing up for Part D can increase your cost this way.
What is about 1% per month delayed?
After meeting the Part B deductible, you typically pay this portion of approved
What is 20% coinsurance?
In Texas, forgetting to enroll in this part means you might pay full cost for doctor visits.
What is Part B?
A private plan option that bundles Parts A,B and usually D.
What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
This is the deductible you pay for a hospital stay under Part A in 2026.
What is $1,736?
You can enroll in Medicare during this window around your 65th birthday.
What is the Initial Enrollment Period?
Advantage plans are also called this.
What is Part C?
In Texas, Prescriptions drug out-of-pocket caps for 2026 rose to about this amount.
What is - $2,100?
This program provides prescription drug coverage.
What is Part D?
Most people don't pay this Part A cost because they've worked enough quarters.
What is the Part A premium? (usually $0)
This periodic window lets you change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans each year.
What is Open Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7)?
This part covers prescription drugs
What is Part D?
Texas law (HB 2516) now changes how certain under- 65 disabled beneficiaries can get this.
What is Medigap coverage?
To qualify for Medicare at age 65 you need this type of eligibility.
What is U.S. citizenship or legal residency + work credits?
Surcharges based on income added to Part B and D premiums are called this.
What is IRMAA?
If you miss enrolling when first eligible, the Part B penalty last for this long.
What is for the life of your Medicare?
Medigap policies are used with thi type of Medicare coverage.
What is Original Medicare?
Not signing up for Part B at age 65 results in roughly this penalty amount per year missed
What is about 10% per year?