--- title: Medicare 101: How Medicare Works | Everything Senior Insurance url: https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medicare-101/ updated: 2026-10-09 --- Knowledge brings confidence # Medicare 101. Start here. You don’t need to know it all. Just where to start. These guides cover the basics in order, with the 2026 numbers, so you can bring better questions to your advisor. [Browse the guides](#guides)[Try the calculators](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/tools/) 01 / THE PARTS 02 / THE COSTS 03 / THE DEADLINES YOUR GUIDE **Christian Brindle**Reviewed by Christian Brindle. Written by the Everything Senior Insurance Data Desk, reviewed by Christian Brindle. Last updated October 9, 2026 The four parts ## Medicare has four parts. Original Medicare is Parts A and B. Part C and Part D are offered by private plans approved by Medicare. ### Part A: Hospital Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing after a hospital stay, hospice and some home health. Premium-free for most people with 40 quarters of work. ### Part B: Medical Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and durable medical equipment. $202.90 a month for most people in 2026, with a $283 deductible. ### Part C: Medicare Advantage Private plans that combine A, B and usually D, with a network and a yearly out-of-pocket limit. [Medicare Advantage](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medicare-advantage/) ### Part D: Drugs Prescription drug plans. In 2026, a $2,100 yearly cap on out-of-pocket drug costs. [Part D](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/part-d/) ### Medigap Supplemental insurance that pays the deductibles and coinsurance Original Medicare leaves. [Medigap](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medigap/) ### Calculators IRMAA, Part B and Part D penalties, your enrollment window, and Plan G vs Plan N. [Open the calculators](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/tools/) 2026 at a glance ## The numbers that matter. Published by CMS for plan year 2026. CMS publishes 2027 figures each fall. $202.90Part B monthly premium $283Part B yearly deductible $1,736Part A deductible per benefit period $2,100Part D yearly out-of-pocket cap Source: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles; CMS CY2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions. The guides ## Eight guides. Read them in order. Each one answers a single question, with the official source linked. 01 ### Medicare Eligibility Medicare eligibility explained: age 65, disability after 24 months of SSDI, ALS and ESRD, premium-free Part A with 40 quarters, and what to do if you are still working.. [Read the guide](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medicare-eligibility/) 02 ### Enrollment Periods Every Medicare enrollment window on one page: the 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, General Enrollment, the fall Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, Medigap open enrollment and Special Enrollment Periods.. [Read the guide](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medicare-enrollment-periods/) 03 ### How to Enroll How to sign up for Medicare: automatic enrollment if you get Social Security, applying online at ssa.gov in about 10 minutes, what documents you need, how to add Part D, Medigap or Medicare Advantage, and how to delay Part B correctly.. [Read the guide](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/how-to-enroll-in-medicare/) 04 ### Turning 65 Checklist A month-by-month Medicare checklist for the year you turn 65: when your window opens, what to decide, what it costs in 2026, how to avoid penalties, and what to do if you are still working.. [Read the guide](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/turning-65-medicare-checklist/) 05 ### Medicare vs Medicaid Medicare is federal health insurance based on age or disability; Medicaid is a state-run program based on income. [Read the guide](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medicare-vs-medicaid/) 06 ### Medicare Costs 2026 2026 Medicare costs from the CMS fact sheet: Part A deductible $1,736 and daily coinsurance, Part B premium $202.90 and deductible $283, the full IRMAA table, Part D deductible up to $615 and the $2,100 drug cap, with ways to lower your costs.. [Read the guide](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medicare-costs-2026/) 07 ### Late-Enrollment Penalties How the Part B penalty (10% of the premium per full year late, for life) and the Part D penalty (1% of $38.99 per month without creditable coverage) are calculated in 2026, who is exempt because of employer coverage, and worked examples.. [Read the guide](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medicare-late-enrollment-penalties/) 08 ### Part D in 2026 What changed in Medicare Part D for 2026: the $2,100 out-of-pocket cap, the $615 maximum deductible, no coverage gap, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, and why plan premiums and deductibles moved.. [Read the guide](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/medicare-part-d-2026-changes/) Good questions ## Questions, answered. **What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?** Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing after a hospital stay and hospice. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment. **When should I sign up for Medicare?** During your Initial Enrollment Period, the seven months around your 65th birthday, unless you have employer coverage from active work. Sign up in the three months before your birthday month so coverage starts on time. **How much does Medicare cost in 2026?** Most people pay $0 for Part A and $202.90 a month for Part B, with a $283 Part B deductible. Higher incomes pay an IRMAA surcharge. **Do I need more than Original Medicare?** Original Medicare has no yearly out-of-pocket limit and no drug coverage, so most people add Medigap and Part D, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan. Let’s take the next step together ## A real person. A little peace of mind. Call 801-255-5340 or send us your questions. [Call an advisor](tel:+18012555340)[Send a message](https://eseniorinsurance-redesign-demo.pages.dev/contact-us/)