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Your Medicare Cheat Sheet
Your Medicare Cheat Sheet – What You Need to Know
Understanding Medicare is the first step toward making confident healthcare choices. Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your current coverage, this overview breaks down the essentials of each part to help you find the right fit for your needs.
1
Medicare Part A
• The 2026 Part A deductible is $1,736
• After the deductible, you may have additional costs
3
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)
• MUST cover all medically necessary services covered under Original Medicare
• May offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness
• Often use provider networks; out-of-network care may restricted or more expensive
• Coverage rules may differ from Original Medicare and some services may require prior approval
• Monthly premiums, care costs, benefits, provider networks, and annual out-of-pocket maximums vary by plan
2
Medicare Part B
• Higher income beneficiaries may pay an additional monthly surcharge
• 2026 deductible is $283
• After the deductible, you generally pay 20% coinsurance for covered services
4
Medicare Part D
• Most plans have a monthly premium
• Higher-income beneficiaries may pay an additional monthly surcharge
• Deductibles, coinsurance, and copays may apply, depending on the plan and medications
• In 2026, your maximum out-of-pocket cost for covered prescriptions is $2,100
• Cost-sharing and which medications are covered may vary by plan
1
Medicare Part A
• Helps pay for services like hospital stays and skilled nursing care following an inpatient hospital stay • Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A • The 2026 Part A deductible is $1,736 • After the deductible, you may have additional costs
3
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)
• Offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies • Combines Parts A and B and may include Part D prescription coverage • MUST cover all medically necessary services covered under Original Medicare • May offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness • Often use provider networks; out-of-network care may restricted or more expensive • Coverage rules may differ from Original Medicare and some services may require prior approval • Monthly premiums, care costs, benefits, provider networks, and annual out-of-pocket maximums vary by plan
2
Medicare Part B
• Helps pay for services such as doctor visits, outpatient care, tests, and preventive services • 2026 standard monthly premium is $202.90 • Higher income beneficiaries may pay an additional monthly surcharge • 2026 deductible is $283 • After the deductible, you generally pay 20% coinsurance for covered services
4
Medicare Part D
• Helps cover prescription medications • Offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies • Most plans have a monthly premium • Higher-income beneficiaries may pay an additional monthly surcharge • Deductibles, coinsurance, and copays may apply, depending on the plan and medications • In 2026, your maximum out-of-pocket cost for covered prescriptions is $2,100 • Cost-sharing and which medications are covered may vary by plan