Medicare
Federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities or end-stage kidney disease.
Who is eligible
You qualify automatically at 65 if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). Younger people with SSDI qualify for Medicare after receiving SSDI for 24 months. People with ALS or end-stage kidney disease qualify sooner.
The four parts
- Part A — Hospital insurance. Free for most people. Covers inpatient care, skilled nursing, hospice.
- Part B — Medical insurance. Premium $185/month in 2026. Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services.
- Part C — Medicare Advantage. Private plans replacing Parts A+B (usually includes D). Costs and coverage vary.
- Part D — Prescription drug coverage. Private plans. Out-of-pocket cap of $2,000/year from 2025.
Open Enrollment 2026/27
Change or add Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D plans during Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
Sign up on time to avoid penalties
Late enrollment in Part B or Part D results in a permanent premium penalty. Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday.
Medicare parts explained — full guide