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Cost Comparison

Medicare Costs by Plan Type

See exactly what you'll pay with each Medicare option in 2026. Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and total out-of-pocket costs side by side.

What You'll Pay: Three Scenarios

Your total Medicare costs depend on which coverage path you choose. Here's a realistic breakdown of each option:

Original Medicare Only

High Risk

No Supplemental Coverage

Part B premium only

$202.90

Out-of-pocket maximum

No limit

Part a Premium$0 (most people)
Part B Premium$202.90/month
Part a Deductible$1,736/benefit period
Part B Deductible$283/year
Part B Coinsurance20% with no limit
Hospital Days 61-90$434/day
Prescription DrugsNot covered

Original Medicare ++ Medigap G ++ Part D

Low Risk

Most Comprehensive Option

Part B + Medigap + Part D

$361 – $481

Part B deductible only

~$283

Part B Premium$202.90/month
Medigap Plan G Premium$130 – $250/month
Part D Premium~$46/month
Part B Deductible$283/year
Everything Else$0 (covered by Medigap)
Drug Out-of-Pocket Cap$2,000/year

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medium Risk

All-in-one Alternative

Part B + MA premium

$202.90 – $335

In-network OOP max

$9,250

Part B Premium$202.90/month
MA Plan Premium$0 – $150+/month
PCP Copay$0 – $30/visit
Specialist Copay$20 – $50/visit
Hospital Stay$200 – $400/day
Drug CoverageUsually included
Dental/Vision/HearingOften included

Ways to Lower Your Costs Within Your Chosen Path

Once you've picked a coverage path, these two strategies matter most:

Compare Medigap Rates Annually

The same Plan G can cost 40% more from one company vs. another. Always compare at least 3-5 carriers. Rates vary by company, age, gender, and ZIP code.

Consider High-Deductible Plan G

If you're healthy, HD Plan G costs $40-80/month vs. $130-250 for regular Plan G. You'll pay a $2,950 deductible, but the premium savings often exceed the deductible risk.

Looking for income-based assistance programs like Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help? See all ways to save on Medicare costs.

IRMAA Applies to Every Path Above

Every coverage path above assumes the standard Part B premium. If your modified adjusted gross income exceeds $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (married), you'll pay a surcharge on top of every scenario shown, regardless of which path you choose.

See the full 2026 IRMAA bracket table

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Personalized Cost Estimate

Your actual Medicare costs depend on your location, health, medications, and income. Our licensed agents can give you a personalized cost breakdown at no charge.

Call (888) 335-8996