Cost guide
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
The real monthly cost of Medicare across Part B, Part D, and either Medigap or Medicare Advantage.
Facts on this page checked Jan 15, 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
The honest answer
Sticker price vs what you pay.
Medicare is not free, and its cost depends on the path you choose. Part A (hospital) is usually premium-free if you paid Medicare taxes long enough, but Part B (medical) has a standard premium of $202.90 a month in 2026 (CMS) — higher for high incomes under IRMAA.
From there, the two common paths diverge. Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy plus a Part D drug plan gives predictable, nationwide coverage but a higher combined monthly cost (often $300-$400+ all in). Medicare Advantage bundles everything, sometimes with a $0 plan premium on top of Part B, but uses networks and prior authorization.
Whichever path you pick, your Part D or Advantage drug coverage should be matched to your specific medications, since formularies differ. Recent law also caps annual out-of-pocket drug spending, which meaningfully protects people with high prescription costs.
Medicare help
Medicare has its own site and its own dates.
Medicare's annual enrollment ends December 7. OLYRON Medicare covers Advantage, Medigap and Part D in plain English. For every plan in your area, use Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Questions
Good questions, short answers.
Is Medicare free at 65?
Part A is usually premium-free, but Part B has a standard premium of $202.90/month in 2026, and drug and supplemental coverage cost extra. Total cost depends on your path and medications.
What is cheaper, Medigap or Medicare Advantage?
Advantage often has a lower monthly premium but uses networks; Medigap costs more monthly but offers predictable, nationwide coverage. Total cost depends on how much care you use.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government Medicare site · reviewed 2026-01-15
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15