How Much Does Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D Cost Per Year?
Figures last verified against official sources in August 2026.
Quick Answer
In 2026, Original Medicare Part B costs $202.90/month ($2,434.80/year) at the standard rate. Adding a Medigap policy typically costs an additional $1,800–$4,920/year (illustrative range), and a Part D plan averages $467.88/year in base premium. Most beneficiaries with standard income pay $5,000–$9,000 per year total for comprehensive coverage.
We noticed that most seniors approaching Medicare enrollment cannot find a single honest, plain-English estimate of what Original Medicare, Medigap, and a drug plan actually cost together each year — without being routed to an insurance agent or a lead-generation form. We built this free tool because you deserve a clear starting number in under three minutes, with every figure sourced and labeled so you know exactly what is a government fact and what is an estimate.
- Seniors turning 65 who are comparing the full-year cost of Original Medicare plus Medigap to Medicare Advantage.
- Retirees with higher income who want to see how IRMAA surcharges change their total annual Medicare bill.
- Caregivers helping a parent or spouse build a retirement healthcare budget before choosing a Medigap plan.
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What to Do With This Result
Your estimate is a starting point, not a finished answer. Here are the four specific actions to take next.
- Verify your Part B and Part D IRMAA surcharge with Social Security. Log into your account at ssa.gov/myaccount and look for your Medicare Premium Determination letter. If you owe IRMAA, your exact surcharge is shown there. If your income has dropped since 2024, file SSA Form SSA-44 to appeal.
- Get actual Medigap quotes for your ZIP code at medicare.gov/plan-compare. The Medigap premium in this tool is an illustrative national range. Actual premiums vary by as much as $100/month between insurers in the same ZIP code for identical coverage. Comparing at least three quotes is strongly recommended. Go to medicare.gov/plan-compare →
- If you chose Plan N, mark your Part B deductible date. The $283 Part B deductible resets every January 1. After your first covered service of the year, Part B begins paying its 80% share. Plan N's $20 office copay applies after the deductible is met. Budget $283 at the start of each calendar year.
- Compare Part D plans annually — your drug list, not just the premium, drives the real cost. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to enter your actual drug list and see total estimated drug costs — not just the monthly premium — for every plan in your ZIP code. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7.
- Call a free SHIP counselor to review your specific situation. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased counseling — no commissions, no insurance affiliations. Dial 1-877-839-2675 or find your local counselor at shiphelp.org.
How to Use This Tool — Step by Step
- Step 1 — Enter your age and state. Type your current age (between 60 and 85) and select your state from the dropdown. Your state affects Medigap premium ranges — some states like New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut regulate Medigap pricing differently, which can shift your actual cost.
- Step 2 — Select your Medigap plan preference. Choose Plan G, Plan N, or "Not sure yet." Plan G covers almost all out-of-pocket costs after Part B pays its share. Plan N costs a bit less per month but has small copays per visit. If you are still comparing, select "Not sure yet" to see a range covering both options side by side.
- Step 3 — Choose your prescription drug usage level. Select the tier that best describes how many and what types of prescriptions you take: None, Low (1–2 generics), Moderate (3–5 mixed), or High (specialty drugs or 6 or more). If you are not sure, choose Moderate as a reasonable middle ground. This affects the drug-cost portion of your estimate only — it does not change your Part B or Medigap figures.
- Step 4 — Indicate whether you expect to owe IRMAA. If your household income in 2024 exceeded $109,000 (single filer) or $218,000 (married filing jointly), select "Yes" and pick your income bracket from the official 2026 CMS table. If you are not sure, select "Not sure" — the tool shows your baseline estimate without the surcharge so you can still see the floor of your cost.
- Step 5 — Click "Estimate My Annual Cost." Your full annual cost range will appear below the button, broken down by Part B, Medigap, and Part D. Each line is labeled FACT, ESTIMATE, or DECISION SUPPORT so you know exactly which figures to verify before making any enrollment decision.
💡 Pro Tip — Your Medigap Open Enrollment Window Is the Most Important Date in Medicare
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you are both age 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers must sell you any Medigap plan at standard rates regardless of your health history. After the window closes, most states allow medical underwriting — meaning you could be charged more or denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. Read our guide on understanding your Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage options before your window closes.
Real-Life Examples — How This Works in Practice
Dorothy retired at 67 and lives on Social Security plus a pension under the IRMAA threshold. She takes two generic blood pressure medications and chose Medigap Plan G for fully predictable costs.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 69 |
| Medigap Plan | Plan G |
| Prescription Drug Usage | Low (2 generics) |
| IRMAA | No |
Dorothy used this estimate to build her Medicare line in her annual budget, then called her state SHIP counselor to compare actual Plan G quotes in her ZIP code before enrolling.
Harold's 2024 income from consulting was $118,000, placing him in the first IRMAA tier. He takes four medications including one brand-name statin and is considering Plan N to reduce his monthly premium.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 73 |
| Medigap Plan | Plan N |
| Prescription Drug Usage | Moderate (4 drugs) |
| IRMAA Bracket | Tier 1 — $109,001–$137,000 (single) |
| Expected Office Visits | 8/year |
Harold saw that his Tier 1 IRMAA adds $1,154.40/year ($81.20 × 12) to Part B alone. He filed an IRMAA appeal using SSA Form SSA-44 because his consulting work ended in 2025.
Martha turned 65 in July 2026 and is in her Medigap Open Enrollment window. She takes a biologic medication for rheumatoid arthritis and is not sure which plan to choose.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 65 |
| Medigap Plan | Not sure yet |
| Prescription Drug Usage | High (specialty medication) |
| IRMAA | No |
Martha's Part D drug cost may approach the $2,100 OOP cap due to her biologic medication. She contacted her state SHIP counselor to model which Part D plan covers her specific drug at the lowest net cost before enrolling.
These are hypothetical examples for illustrative purposes only. Individual results vary based on your age, state, income, health status, enrollment dates, and specific plan premiums. Always verify your result with Medicare.gov or a SHIP counselor before making enrollment decisions.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Assuming Original Medicare Alone Covers All Hospital Costs
Many seniors enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B and assume they are fully covered. In reality, Original Medicare pays 80% of Part B services with no annual cap on the 20% you owe. A single hospitalization can expose you to thousands in uncapped coinsurance. Medigap exists specifically to close this gap. Without it, a serious illness can generate bills of $10,000 or more in a single year.
The fix is to enroll in a Medigap policy — ideally Plan G — during your 6-month Open Enrollment window when no medical underwriting is required. Find your window dates at medicare.gov — When Can I Buy Medigap.
Not Accounting for IRMAA When Budgeting for Retirement Healthcare
IRMAA surcharges can add $974.40 to $5,844 per year to a couple's Medicare costs in 2026. Most retirement planners and financial advisors omit IRMAA from early retirement healthcare budgets. Failing to plan for it surprises many new retirees — especially those who had a high income year due to a Roth conversion, property sale, or large IRA withdrawal.
The fix is to use our Medicare IRMAA calculator to estimate your surcharge before large income events. IRMAA uses a two-year lookback, so 2024 income sets your 2026 surcharges. Verify your bracket at SSA.gov — Medicare Premium Determination.
Choosing Plan N Without Understanding the Real Copay Exposure
Seniors often choose Plan N for the lower monthly premium without realizing that the $283 annual Part B deductible, $20 per office visit, and $50 per ER visit (up to 26 visits per year for some seniors) can eliminate most of the premium savings. For a senior with eight annual doctor visits and one ER visit, Plan N's copay exposure alone is $210/year — on top of the $283 deductible.
The fix is to calculate your expected visit count and compare the real net cost of Plan N versus Plan G using the adjustable visit fields in this tool. Review Plan N's official benefit rules at medicare.gov — What Medigap Covers.
Keeping the Same Part D Plan Year After Year Without Comparing
Part D plans change their drug formularies, tiers, and premiums every January. A plan that covered your medications at Tier 2 in 2025 may move them to Tier 3 or even remove them entirely in 2026. Seniors who stay in the same plan without annual comparison routinely overpay by $500–$2,000 per year on drug costs alone, according to Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) research.
The fix is to compare Part D plans using the Medicare Plan Finder every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Enter your actual drug list at medicare.gov/plan-compare — Medicare Plan Finder.
Missing the Medigap Open Enrollment Window and Losing Guaranteed Issue Rights
The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is exactly six months long and begins only once — the month you are 65 and enrolled in Part B. If you delay enrolling in Part B (which some seniors do to stay on employer coverage), your Medigap window is also delayed. Missing it without a qualifying Special Enrollment Period means insurers in most states can charge you more or deny coverage entirely based on health history.
The fix is to confirm your Part B enrollment date and count forward six months — that is your window. Find your enrollment dates and rules at medicare.gov — When Does Medicare Coverage Start.
Official Government Sources Used in This Tool
| Source Name | What We Used It For | Last Confirmed | Direct Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMS 2026 Medicare Premiums Fact Sheet | Part B standard premium ($202.90/mo) and Part B deductible ($283) | August 15, 2026 | CMS 2026 Parts A and B Premiums Fact Sheet |
| CMS 2026 Medicare Costs at a Glance | 2026 IRMAA Part B and Part D surcharge tables (all 5 tiers, single and joint) | August 15, 2026 | Medicare.gov — Medicare Costs at a Glance |
| CMS 2026 Part D Benefit Parameters | Part D national base premium ($38.99/mo) and OOP cap ($2,100) | August 15, 2026 | CMS 2026 Part D Benefit Parameters (PDF) |
| Medicare.gov — What Medigap Covers | Plan G and Plan N benefit structures, deductible, and copay rules | August 15, 2026 | Medicare.gov — What Is Covered by Medigap Policies |
| SSA.gov — Medicare Premium Determination | IRMAA income lookback rules (two-year prior tax return) and SSA-44 appeal process | August 15, 2026 | SSA.gov — Medicare Premiums and IRMAA Determination |
Medigap premium ranges shown in this tool are illustrative national typical ranges based on industry pricing patterns — they are not from a government source and are clearly labeled as ESTIMATE throughout. Actual Medigap premiums vary by insurer, age, state, and health status. Always get actual quotes at medicare.gov/plan-compare.
Seniors Audit is an independent educational platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency, insurance company, or financial services firm. All government-set figures use the official formulas and current amounts published by the agencies listed above. We do not receive payment for referrals, leads, or any action taken by visitors to this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Original Medicare plus Medigap plus Part D cost per year in 2026?
In 2026 the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month ($2,434.80 per year). Adding a Medigap policy typically costs $1,800 – $4,920 per year depending on plan, age, and state — this is an illustrative range, not a government-set figure. A Part D plan costs an average of $38.99 per month ($467.88/year) in base premium, plus prescription drug costs. Combined, most beneficiaries pay between $5,000 and $9,000 per year for comprehensive coverage before any IRMAA surcharges.
What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N?
Medigap Plan G and Plan N both cover Part A costs and foreign travel emergencies. Plan G also covers the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) and has no office or ER copays. Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible and charges up to $20 per office visit and $50 per ER visit (waived if admitted). Plan N typically costs $20–$50 less per month than Plan G. Plan G suits those who want fully predictable costs; Plan N may work if you rarely visit the doctor.
How much does Medicare Part B cost in 2026?
The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium in 2026 is $202.90, or $2,434.80 per year. This is a fixed government-set amount published by CMS. If your 2024 Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeded $109,000 (single filer) or $218,000 (married filing jointly), you pay an IRMAA surcharge of $81.20 to $487.00 per month on top of the standard premium. Social Security deducts this directly from your monthly benefit check.
Do I have to pay IRMAA on my Medicare premiums?
IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) applies when your 2024 Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeded $109,000 for single filers or $218,000 for married couples filing jointly. Social Security uses your IRS tax return from two years prior. If your income has since dropped due to retirement, divorce, or another qualifying life event, you may appeal using SSA Form SSA-44, available at ssa.gov.
What does Medigap Plan G cover that Original Medicare does not?
Medigap Plan G covers the 20% Part B coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves unpaid, the Part A hospital deductible and coinsurance, the Part B annual deductible ($283 in 2026), Part A hospice coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency care up to plan limits. With Plan G, your only regular out-of-pocket cost is the Part B deductible once per year — after that, you pay nothing for Medicare-covered services.
How much does Medicare Part D cost in 2026?
The 2026 national base Medicare Part D premium used for penalty and IRMAA calculations is $38.99 per month. Your actual plan premium varies by plan and ZIP code. If your 2024 income triggers IRMAA, add $14.50 to $91.00 per month. In 2026, the Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 — once your covered drug costs reach that amount, you pay $0 for covered prescriptions for the rest of the year.
What is the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap in 2026?
The Medicare Part D annual out-of-pocket cap in 2026 is $2,100. Once your total out-of-pocket spending on covered Part D drugs reaches $2,100 in a calendar year, you pay $0 for covered drugs for the remainder of that year. This cap applies to all Medicare Part D beneficiaries regardless of which plan they choose, and was established by the Inflation Reduction Act as verified in the CMS 2026 Part D Benefit Parameters document.
Can I change my Medigap plan after I first enroll in Medicare?
During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period — which begins the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B — you can buy any Medigap plan at standard rates regardless of health. After that window closes, most states allow medical underwriting, and insurers may charge more or deny coverage. A free SHIP counselor at shiphelp.org can advise on your specific state's rules at no cost.
What is the Medicare Part B deductible for 2026?
The Medicare Part B annual deductible for 2026 is $283. You pay this amount once per calendar year before Medicare Part B begins paying its 80% share. Medigap Plan G covers this deductible entirely, so Plan G holders have no Part B deductible exposure. Medigap Plan N does not cover it — you pay $283 out of pocket before Part B benefits begin each calendar year.
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This tool is for educational purposes only. Seniors Audit uses the official formulas published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service, but results are estimates based on the information you entered. Rules, rates, and eligibility thresholds change annually and vary by individual circumstance. Always verify your specific result directly with the relevant government agency before making enrollment, coverage, or financial decisions. If you have Medicare questions, a free SHIP counselor in your state can review your specific situation at no cost — find yours at shiphelp.org. Seniors Audit is independent and not affiliated with any government agency or insurance company.