What is the deadline to enroll in Medicare for 2026?

The main deadline for initial enrollment in Medicare Part A and B for 2026 depends on your 65th birthday. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window: three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and three months after. If you miss this, you might enroll during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31 annually), but this can result in late penalties.

How much does Medicare Part B cost in 2026?

The exact standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2026 will be announced later in 2025. For reference, the standard premium for 2025 was $174.70. Higher-income individuals will pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium, based on their modified adjusted gross income from two years prior (e.g., 2024 income for 2026 premiums).

Can I change my Medicare plan after the Annual Enrollment Period?

Yes, you can make changes after the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) under certain circumstances. If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan or back to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) from January 1 to March 31. Additionally, Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow changes outside of these periods for specific life events, such as moving or losing other coverage.

What is the "donut hole" in Medicare Part D for 2026?

The "donut hole" or coverage gap in Medicare Part D has been largely closed. For 2026, after your total drug costs reach a certain limit (which was $5,030 in 2025), you will pay 25% of the cost for both generic and brand-name drugs. Once your out-of-pocket spending reaches the catastrophic threshold (which was $8,000 in 2025), you will pay $0 for covered prescription drugs for the remainder of the year.

Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I'm still working at 65?

It depends on your employer's size and your current health coverage. If your employer has 20 or more employees and you have group health coverage through them, you can generally delay Part B enrollment without penalty and sign up later using a Special Enrollment Period. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, or if you have COBRA or retiree coverage, you should typically enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid penalties and coverage gaps. It's always best to check with your employer's benefits administrator.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an "all-in-one" alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private companies, bundling Part A, B, and usually D, often with extra benefits but typically with network restrictions. Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) works *with* Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance, offering more provider flexibility but requiring a separate Part D plan and not including extra benefits like vision or dental.

What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare Part D?

If you don't enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you're first eligible and don't have other creditable prescription drug coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty. This penalty is added to your monthly premium for as long as you have Part D and is calculated as 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month you were eligible but didn't enroll.

Medicare Enrollment 2026: Parts A, B, C, D Explained | One…