Your Medicare in 2026: What You Need to Know from Medicare.gov

Who Should Read This

This publication is helpful for anyone who currently has Medicare or is about to enroll. That includes people aged 65 and older, adults under 65 living with certain disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS. If you are a caregiver or family member helping someone manage their Medicare coverage, this publication is also a valuable resource for you.

Quick Overview

This publication gives Medicare beneficiaries a clear summary of important updates and information for 2026. It covers key topics like Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, along with costs, coverage options, and how to get help. The original publication is a concise, easy-to-read guide designed to help you make the most of your Medicare benefits in the new year.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare has four parts: Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers medical services, Part C offers Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
• You can review and compare your Medicare coverage options each year during the Open Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7.
• Extra Help is available to people with limited income and resources to help pay for prescription drug costs under Part D.
• Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits not found in Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
• Preventive services, including certain screenings and vaccines, are covered by Medicare to help you stay healthy.
• If you have questions about your coverage or costs, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov for assistance.
• Your Medicare card and coverage information should be kept in a safe place and reviewed regularly to make sure your plan still meets your needs.

Publication Summary

Understanding the Parts of Medicare

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities or specific health conditions. The program is divided into four main parts. Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and medical equipment. Together, Parts A and B are known as Original Medicare.

Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans must cover everything that Original Medicare covers, and many offer extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs. Part D adds prescription drug coverage and is available either as a stand-alone plan added to Original Medicare or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Costs and Coverage

Each part of Medicare comes with its own costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments. The publication provides updated cost information for 2026 to help you understand what you may owe for your care. It is important to review these amounts carefully so you are not caught off guard by unexpected bills. People with higher incomes may pay more for Part B and Part D coverage through an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, sometimes called IRMAA.

Choosing the Right Coverage

Each year, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to review their coverage and make changes if needed. The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, and any changes made during this time take effect on January 1 of the following year. The publication encourages beneficiaries to compare their current plan with other available options to make sure they are getting the best coverage for their needs and budget. Tools like the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov can help you compare plans in your area.

Getting Extra Help

For those who have limited income and resources, programs are available to help lower Medicare costs. The Extra Help program assists with Part D prescription drug costs, while the Medicare Savings Programs can help with Part A and Part B costs. The publication explains how to find out if you qualify for these programs and how to apply.

Staying Healthy with Preventive Services

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services at no cost to you, as long as your doctor accepts Medicare. These services include screenings for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as vaccines, annual wellness visits, and other health checks. Taking advantage of these covered services is one of the best ways to catch health problems early and stay as healthy as possible.

Where to Get Help

The publication reminds beneficiaries that help is available if they have questions about their coverage, bills, or rights. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE any time, day or night. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as SHIP, offers free one-on-one counseling to help you understand your Medicare options. You can also visit Medicare.gov for online tools, plan comparison resources, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B and is managed by the federal government. Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is offered by private companies approved by Medicare and often includes extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage that Original Medicare does not cover.

When can I make changes to my Medicare coverage?

The main time to make changes is during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes made during this period take effect on January 1 of the following year. There are also Special Enrollment Periods for certain life events.

How do I get help paying for my Medicare costs?

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help with Part D drug costs or a Medicare Savings Program to help with Part A and Part B costs. Contact Social Security or your state Medicaid office to find out if you qualify and how to apply.

What preventive services does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers many preventive services at no cost, including cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, heart disease screenings, vaccines, and annual wellness visits. These services are covered when provided by a doctor who accepts Medicare.

How can I get more information or assistance with my Medicare?

You can call 1-800-MEDICARE at any time for help with questions about your coverage or costs. You can also contact your local SHIP counselor for free personalized help or visit Medicare.gov to use online tools and find plan options in your area.

Access the Full Publication

Publication number: 12229
Publication date: January 2026
Length: 4 pages