Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is free for most people, as long as you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). Other "free" things under Medicare include certain preventive services covered by Part B, like yearly wellness visits and some screenings, but Part B usually has a monthly premium, and all Parts have deductibles or copays for services.
Part B is optional. Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem. Cost: If you have Part B, you pay a Part B premium each month.
Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse's work.
The cost of Medicare Part C plans (also known as Medicare Advantage plans) varies depending on where you live and the plan you choose. Some plans have $0 monthly premiums. You still have to pay your Part A and Part B monthly premiums.
If you have Original Medicare and just need a plan for prescription medications, Medicare Part D is the best choice. When you require more coverage for dental, vision, or prescription drugs, Medicare Part C plans provide more options to fit your healthcare needs.
No one is automatically exempt from Medicare Part B premiums, but many people avoid paying them by having other creditable coverage (like employer plans when still working), qualifying for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through Medicaid due to low income, or having certain disabilities that qualify them for premium assistance. Those automatically enrolled in Medicare who don't need Part B right away (e.g., due to employer coverage) can delay enrollment without penalty.
If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).
Didn't work in employment covered by Social Security/Medicare. Don't have 40 quarters in Social Security/Medicare-covered employment. Don't qualify through the work history of a current, former, or deceased spouse.
You can avoid paying Medicare Part B premiums by delaying enrollment if you have creditable employer coverage (your own or spouse's job with 20+ employees) until that coverage ends (within 8 months to avoid penalties), or by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to have state/federal funds pay for it due to low income. Other ways to save include using HSA funds, appealing high Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for life changes, or enrolling on time during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Medicare Part B is generally not mandatory, but you must enroll when you first become eligible unless you have creditable health coverage through a current employer. Part B provides essential outpatient medical services and preventive care, but it does not cover services like routine vision, dental, or hearing care.
Starting in 2025, there is an annual limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription medications through Medicare and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. All prescription medications, including specialty medications, covered by Part D plans are included under this cap.
Here are some of the biggest Medicare mistakes to avoid:
Medicare Part B premiums are automatically deducted from Social Security checks, with the standard monthly amount for 2026 being $202.90, but this amount increases for higher-income earners. Most people get Part A for free, but if you pay premiums, they're also deducted. Part D (prescription drug) premiums can also be optionally deducted, while Part C (Medicare Advantage) premiums vary.
Medicare changes for 2026 include increases for Medicare Part B and Part A premiums and cost-sharing, changes in average premiums for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, a slight decrease in the maximum out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Advantage plans, adjustments to income-related premium surcharges for Medicare Part ...
A: There are several reasons why someone might not have Medicare Part B, including being covered by a group health plan based on current employment, being covered by a group health plan based on a spouse's current employment, or having coverage through Indian Health Services.
You can avoid paying Medicare Part B premiums by delaying enrollment if you have creditable employer coverage (your own or spouse's job with 20+ employees) until that coverage ends (within 8 months to avoid penalties), or by qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to have state/federal funds pay for it due to low income. Other ways to save include using HSA funds, appealing high Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for life changes, or enrolling on time during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not usually cover medication to treat high blood pressure. While Medicare Part B offers some prescription drug coverage, it has limited coverage of most drugs for chronic conditions, including high blood pressure. Learn more about Medicare Part B.