What is the Medicare Part B premium in 2026?

The standard Medicare Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay more due to IRMAA surcharges.

When should I enroll in Medicare when turning 65?

Your Initial Enrollment Period opens 3 months before your 65th birthday month and closes 3 months after — a 7-month window total. Enrolling in the first 3 months ensures coverage starts on your birthday month.

Can I delay Medicare Part B if I am still working?

Yes. If you or your spouse have qualifying employer group health insurance through active employment, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty and use a Special Enrollment Period when you retire.

What does Medicare Part B cover?

Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical services including doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, durable medical equipment, and mental health services.

Medicare Part B Guide for People Turning 65 & Retiring in 2026

Medicare Part B & Retirement: Simpler Than They're Making It Sound.

Q: What happens to my Medicare Part B when I retire?

When you retire, if you had qualifying employer coverage, your Special Enrollment Period begins. You have 8 months to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B without a penalty after your employer coverage ends.

"Most people get Medicare wrong the first time — and pay for it for years."

Download the official 2026 Medicare handbook, then take our 5-question assessment to find out exactly which plan fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.

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$202.90

Medicare Part B
monthly premium in 2026

7 mo.

Initial Enrollment Period
around your 65th birthday

Cost to work with
a licensed Medicare agent

Official CMS Publication

Medicare & You 2026 — Official U.S. Government Handbook

Step 1

Download the handbook above — it covers every Medicare option for 2026.

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Step 2

Take the free assessment to find out which of those options fits you.

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Medicare Part B 2026

Medical Insurance for Retirees

The 2026 Part B premium is $202.90/month. Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment.

Part A + Retirement

Hospital Coverage & Enrollment

Most retirees get Part A premium-free. We explain what it covers, enrollment deadlines, and how retirement timing affects your start date.

Part C + D

Advantage & Drug Plans

Medicare Advantage bundles Parts A, B, and D. Part D drug costs are now capped at $2,100/year — a major 2026 change for retirees on multiple medications.

Medigap

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medigap fills the cost gaps that Original Medicare Part B leaves behind — critical for retirees who want predictable, fixed healthcare costs.

Personalized Assessment

Find Out Which Medicare Part B Plan Fits Your Retirement.

The 2026 Medicare handbook covers every option available to retirees. This free assessment tells you which Medicare Part B plan, drug plan, and supplement applies to your retirement — based on your doctors, prescriptions, and enrollment timeline.

Referenced throughout this assessment:

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Medicare & You 2026

Official U.S. Government Handbook

Takes under 5 minutes
No obligation, no pressure
Reviewed by a licensed Medicare agent
100% free — agents are paid by carriers, not you

Question 1 of 5

How close are you to turning 65?

This determines which enrollment windows are open to you right now.

Question 2 of 5

Do you have employer health coverage right now?

Your own or a spouse's job. This could let you delay Medicare without penalty.

Question 3 of 5

How much does keeping your current doctors matter?

Often the #1 factor in choosing between Original Medicare and Advantage plans.

Question 4 of 5

How many prescription drugs do you take regularly?

Drug formularies vary widely — this helps us find the lowest total cost for your prescriptions.

Last Step — Where to Send Your Results

Where should we send your personalized summary?

A licensed agent will review your answers and follow up with matched plan options.

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Last Name *

Email *

Phone

Date of Birth

State

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Your Medicare Snapshot

Based on your answers — here's what to focus on.

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Readiness Level Analyzing responses...

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A licensed agent will follow up within one business day with options matched to your situation — at no cost to you.

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Common Questions

Medicare Part B & Retirement — Answered

What is Medicare Part B and what does it cover in 2026?

Medicare Part B is your medical insurance — it covers outpatient doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, mental health services, and durable medical equipment. The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 per month, with an annual deductible of $283. Higher-income retirees may pay more due to IRMAA surcharges.

When do I sign up for Medicare Part B when I turn 65?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, the birthday month itself, and 3 months after. Enrolling in the first 3 months ensures your Part B coverage starts on your birthday. Missing this window without qualifying employer coverage can trigger a lifetime late-enrollment penalty.

Do I need Medicare Part B if I'm still working at 65?

Not necessarily. If you or your spouse have qualifying employer group health coverage through active employment, you may delay Part B without penalty. When you retire, you'll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up. Always confirm with your HR department — COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as qualifying coverage for this purpose.

What happens to Medicare Part B when I retire?

When you retire and lose employer health coverage, your Special Enrollment Period begins. You have 8 months to enroll in Medicare Part B penalty-free. For Part D (drug coverage) and Part C (Medicare Advantage), you have only 63 days after employer coverage ends. Acting promptly avoids gaps in coverage and lifetime penalties.

What is the Medicare Part B premium for retirees in 2026?

The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 per month. If you receive Social Security, it is deducted automatically from your check. Higher-income retirees pay more through IRMAA — calculated based on your income from 2 years prior (2024). If your income has decreased due to retirement, you can appeal your IRMAA surcharge.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage — which is better for retirees?

Original Medicare (Parts A + B) gives you the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide — ideal for retirees with established specialists. Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles coverage into one plan, often with lower premiums and added benefits like dental and vision, but requires staying within a network. The right answer depends on your doctors, health needs, and budget — which is exactly what our free assessment helps you determine.

Free Medicare Part B & Retirement Guidance

Carriers pay us. You don't.

Licensed Medicare agents are compensated by insurance companies — not by you. We compare plans across multiple carriers and find the right fit for your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.

Unbiased Comparison

We shop across every carrier available in your area — not just one company's lineup — so you see every real option.

Enrollment Done Right

We handle the paperwork and make sure you're enrolled in the right window — no penalties, no coverage gaps.

Year-Round Support

Claim questions, provider changes, plan reviews — we stay with you long after your enrollment is complete.

No Cost. No Pressure.

Medicare Part B Enrollment Opens at 65. Don't Miss Your Window.

Get the free 2026 Medicare & You handbook, take our retirement Medicare assessment, and connect with a licensed agent before your Part B enrollment window closes — all at zero cost to you.

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