Four parts. Two decisions.
What each part covers, what it costs, and the one choice that is hard to undo.
The four parts of Medicare.
Hospital
Inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice, some home health.
$1,736 deductible per stay in 2026
Medical
Doctors, outpatient care, labs, imaging, equipment.
$283 deductible, then 20% with no limit
Advantage
A private network plan that replaces A and B, usually with D inside.
Plus copays when you use care
Prescriptions
A private drug plan, bought separately or inside an Advantage plan.
Out-of-pocket cap $2,100 in 2026, $2,400 in 2027
The part that worries people.
With Original Medicare, Part B pays 80% of approved costs after the deductible. You pay the other 20%. There is no cap on it.
A Medigap Plan G pays that 20%, the hospital deductible, and most of the rest. One deductible a year, then almost nothing.
Two ways to fill the gap. Pick one.
Original Medicare + Plan G + Part D
- Keep Original Medicare and see any doctor in the country who takes it. No network, no referrals.
- Plan G pays the 20%, the hospital deductible, and excess charges. After the Part B deductible, almost no bills.
- Add a Part D plan for prescriptions, usually $10 to $50 a month.
Medicare Advantage
- One card. Combines A and B, usually D, and often dental, vision, hearing or a gym.
- Low or $0 premium. Copays each time you use care, up to an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
- A network of doctors and hospitals. Sometimes referrals or prior approvals.
“Your first six months on Part B is the one time Plan G is guaranteed, no health questions.”
Every number you’ll need, 2026 and 2027.
Source: CMS. 2027 Part A and B amounts and income thresholds are released in November and go up here the same day.
| Item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Part B premium, standard | $202.90 | November |
| Part B deductible | $283 | November |
| Part A hospital deductible | $1,736 | November |
| Part A daily coinsurance, days 61 to 90 | $434 | November |
| Lifetime reserve days | $868 | November |
| Skilled nursing, days 21 to 100 | $217 | November |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Part D maximum deductible | $615 | $700 |
| Income surcharge begins at | $109,000 single $218,000 joint | November |
The dates.
Initial Enrollment Period. Three months before your 65th birthday month, the month of, and three after.
Medigap Open Enrollment. Starts the month you’re 65 and on Part B. No health questions.
Annual Enrollment. Change your Advantage or Part D plan for January 1.
General Enrollment. Part B if you missed your window. Coverage starts the next month.
Ready when you are.
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Independent Medicare guidance for people turning 65 and anyone shopping their plan. Plan G and Medicare Advantage, nationwide.
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info@medsupsforme.comMedSups For Me is a privately owned website and is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We are an independent insurance agency licensed to sell Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance and Medicare Advantage plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program to get information on all of your options.