Medicare Guides & Resources 2026

Planning for Medicare Open Enrollment? The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7. Use our Advantage vs. Original calculator and IRMAA calculator to compare your costs before you choose.

All Medicare Guides

Enrollment

When Does Medicare Start?

Understand your Initial Enrollment Period — the 7-month window around your 65th birthday. Includes auto-enrollment rules and what happens if you miss your window.

Read Guide →

Enrollment

Medicare Enrollment Periods 2026

IEP, AEP, GEP, and SEP — all four enrollment windows explained with exact dates, who qualifies, and when coverage starts. Includes SEP trigger list.

Read Guide →

Basics

Medicare vs. Medicaid Difference

Side-by-side comparison of two often-confused programs. Who qualifies, what they cover, who funds them, and how dual eligibility works in 2026.

Read Guide →

Cost Reduction

How to Appeal IRMAA (SSA-44)

If your income dropped due to retirement or a life event, you may be able to reduce your IRMAA surcharge. Step-by-step guide to filing the SSA-44 form.

Read Guide →

Drug Costs

Medicare Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap 2026

The Inflation Reduction Act's $2,100 out-of-pocket cap for 2026. What counts toward it, what doesn't, and how it compares to 2025's $2,000 cap.

Read Guide →

Plan Types

Medicare Advantage Plans 2026 Guide

How Medicare Advantage works, average $18/month premiums, the $9,350 OOP limit, HMO vs PPO, and when Advantage beats Original Medicare + Medigap.

Read Guide →

Plan Types

Original Medicare Explained

Parts A and B with 2026 costs, the 20% coinsurance gap, why Medigap matters, and when Original Medicare is the better choice for your situation.

Read Guide →

Free Medicare Calculators

Use these tools alongside the guides to estimate your actual 2026 Medicare costs.

💡

IRMAA Calculator

Estimate your income-related surcharge

⚖️

Advantage vs. Original

Compare total annual costs

💊

Part D Cost Calculator

Estimate drug plan costs

💰

Savings Program Check

See if you qualify for help

Disclaimer: MedicareBudget provides Medicare cost calculators and educational information for informational purposes only. This is not medical advice, legal advice, or a substitute for licensed professional guidance. Medicare premiums, deductibles, and program details change annually — always verify current figures at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Contact: [email protected]