Home/The Index/Medicare
The Index · Topic 03

Medicare

Medicare without the jargon — Original vs Advantage, Part D, Medigap plan comparison, IRMAA surcharge brackets, enrollment windows, and the penalties nobody warns you about.

8 articlesCurrent SSA · IRS · CMS dataUpdated 2026
Topic 03 · The Index

All Medicare articles.

8 published
Medicare7 min

Medicare Advantage $0 Premium vs Medigap Plan G $185/Month

Compare Medicare Advantage $0 premiums to Medigap Plan G's $185/month cost. One hospital stay averaging $15,000 could cost $3,000+ with Medicare Advantage versus just $240 with Plan G.

Medicare7 min

$2,040 Penalty Trap: Medicare's 6-Month Lookback Can Trigger HSA Violations

Medicare's 6-month retroactive coverage can invalidate HSA contributions made after age 65, triggering penalties up to $2,040+ annually. Learn how to protect your HSA from this common Medicare enrollment trap.

Medicare2 min

Medicare Part B Jumps to $284/Month at $109K Income for Singles

Medicare Part B premiums can jump to $284.10 monthly in 2026 for singles earning over $109K, based on 2024 tax returns. Understanding IRMAA thresholds helps Maryland retirees avoid costly premium surprises.

Medicare2 min

Retiring at 63? COBRA Could Cost $24,000 More Than ACA

Retiring at 63 means a two-year gap before Medicare kicks in. COBRA could cost $24,000 more than ACA marketplace plans, but understanding income-based subsidies is key to maximizing your savings during this critical bridge period.

Medicare2 min

A $250,000 Income Triggers $7,788 in Annual Medicare Surcharges

High-income retirees earning $250,000 face $7,788 in annual Medicare IRMAA surcharges, making strategic income planning crucial for managing healthcare costs in retirement.

Medicare2 min

Form SSA-44 Can Save You $6,684 in Annual Medicare Premiums

Form SSA-44 lets you appeal Medicare IRMAA surcharges immediately after life-changing income reductions, potentially saving thousands annually instead of waiting two years for automatic adjustments.

Medicare2 min

$1,816 Monthly Income Triggers Free Medicare Part B

Medicare Savings Programs provide free Medicare Part B coverage for retirees with monthly incomes around $1,816, plus automatic qualification for Extra Help with prescription drugs worth $5,490 annually.

Bookmark this

The Medicare numbers for 2026.

The thresholds that actually move this part of your plan, kept current and sourced.

See the full reference →
Part B base premium (2026)
$202.90
IRMAA starts (MFJ)
$218,000 MAGI
Part B deductible (2026)
$283
Enrollment window
7 months
FAQ

Frequently asked.

When you’re ready

Have a question about medicare? Ask a real advisor.

No pitch, no pressure. A free conversation with a fiduciary who has read the same research you have.

Book a free conversation