Medicare
Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is the government foundation. Broad provider access, no drug coverage, no annual out-of-pocket maximum.
The quick version
If you only read one thing, read this
- 1
Government-run program with broad provider choice anywhere Medicare is accepted.
- 2
2026: Part B premium $202.90/month, Part B deductible $283/year, Part A deductible $1,736 per benefit period, then ~20% coinsurance.
- 3
No health underwriting; enrollment timing (and penalties) matter for Parts B & D.
The details
The stuff that matters, one piece at a time
Benefits
Government-run program with broad provider choice anywhere Medicare is accepted.
What it costs
Show me the money
- Part B Premium (2026)
- $202.90/mo USDStandard; IRMAA surcharges above $109k/$218k
- Part A Deductible (2026)
- $1,736 USDPer benefit period
- Part B Deductible (2026)
- $283/yr USDThen 20% coinsurance
- Out-of-Pocket Cap
- NoneNo annual limit on Part A/B cost sharing
The honest take
What's good, and where it falls short
The good stuff
- Broadest provider acceptance in Medicare
- No network restrictions, referrals, or prior auth
- Freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide
The catch
- No annual out-of-pocket cap on cost sharing
- No built-in drug, dental, or vision coverage
- 20% Part B coinsurance with no limit can be costly for serious conditions
Head to head
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare gives maximum flexibility but no spending cap. Advantage bundles everything with a MOOP.
Buyer beware
The mistakes that cost folks the most
Ignoring unlimited 20% Part B exposure. A $200,000 surgery leaves you with $40,000+ in coinsurance
Delaying Part D enrollment without creditable coverage. This triggers a permanent premium penalty of ~1% per month late
Waiting beyond 6 months after Part B to apply for Medigap. Health changes may make you uninsurable
Missing Part B initial enrollment and paying a 10% penalty per 12-month period of delay, permanently
Common questions
What folks ask us most
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