FAQs
Medicare questions, answered
Short, direct answers to the questions we hear most. Each one links to a full guide if you want more.
Medicare basics
What are the four parts of Medicare?
Part A covers hospital stays. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Part C is Medicare Advantage, a private plan that replaces A and B. Part D covers prescription drugs.
When should I sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months around your 65th birthday month. Read our turning 65 guide for exact start dates.
How much does Medicare cost in 2026?
The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month and the Part B deductible is $283. See all 2026 costs.
Does Medicare cover dental and vision?
Original Medicare covers very little routine dental, vision or hearing care. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some coverage.
Does Medicare cover long-term care?
No. Medicare covers short skilled nursing stays after a qualifying hospital stay, but not long-term custodial care like help with bathing or dressing.
Can I keep my doctor?
With Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, yes, if your doctor accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, only if your doctor is in the plan's network.
Do I still pay the Part B premium with Medicare Advantage?
Yes. You keep paying your Part B premium to Medicare. Any plan premium comes on top of that, and many plans charge $0.
Does Medigap cover prescriptions?
No. Plans sold today do not include drug coverage. Pair your Medigap plan with a stand-alone Part D plan.
What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap for 2027?
$2,400. Once your out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs reach that amount, you pay nothing more for covered Part D drugs for the rest of 2027. The cap was $2,100 in 2026.
Is final expense insurance the same as burial insurance?
The terms are used for the same product: a small whole life policy meant to cover end-of-life costs.
When is Annual Enrollment?
October 15 to December 7 every year. Changes you make take effect January 1.
Is Medicare enrollment automatic at 65?
Only if you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits at least four months before your birthday. Otherwise you sign up through Social Security.
Can I change Medicare plans any time?
No. Outside your first window, you can change during Annual Enrollment, the January to March Advantage window, or a Special Enrollment Period.
Is Medicare Advantage cheaper than Medigap?
Usually on premium. In a year with heavy medical use, an Advantage plan can cost more out of pocket, up to its yearly cap.
What is the Part B premium in 2026?
$202.90 a month for most people, up from $185.00 in 2025.
When will the 2027 Part B premium be announced?
CMS usually announces it in the fall, often in November. We will update this page when it is out.
Does the Part B penalty ever go away?
In most cases, no. You pay it for as long as you have Part B. People under 65 on Medicare due to disability can see it end at 65.