Premiums

Browse our articles about premiums

August 7, 2026

Medicare After a Death: What Survivors Need to Know

Who to call, which premiums get refunded, what happens to a Medigap or Advantage plan, and how a spouse's death may change your own Medicare costs.

How Medigap Premiums Are Priced: The Three Rating Methods

Community-rated, issue-age, and attained-age Medigap pricing can mean very different premiums at 80 than at 65. How each method works and which states restrict them.

The Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit: How It Really Works

Some Medicare Advantage plans pay part of your $202.90 Part B premium. How the giveback shows up in your Social Security check — and the trade-offs to weigh.

Medicare for Immigrants and Non-Citizens

Learn how Medicare eligibility works for immigrants and non-citizens, including rules for permanent residents, the five-year waiting period, and your options.

Medicare and Medicaid: How They Compare

Learn how Medicare and Medicaid differ in eligibility, coverage, and costs, and find out if you can qualify for both.

Medicare and TRICARE for Life: Coverage for Military Retirees

Discover how TRICARE for Life works alongside Medicare for military retirees, including Part B requirements, claims processing, pharmacy, and overseas coverage.

Medicare for the Self-Employed

Discover how Medicare works when you are self-employed, including premium costs, IRMAA considerations, tax deductions, and switching from individual coverage.

Medicare Savings Programs: Help Paying Medicare Premiums

Learn about the four Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI), who qualifies, what costs each covers, and how to apply through your state Medicaid office.

Extra Help with Medicare Part D: Low-Income Subsidy Explained

Learn how the Extra Help program (Low-Income Subsidy) can significantly reduce your Medicare Part D prescription drug costs, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Medicare Part D Pricing: A Full Guide to Premiums, Deductibles, and Copays

A detailed look at Medicare Part D expenses, including monthly premiums, annual deductibles, copays, and coinsurance amounts.

Medicare Costs in Retirement: What to Budget For in 2026

A complete guide to budgeting for Medicare costs in retirement, covering premiums, deductibles, and strategies to manage spending.

Medicare and Taxes: What You Need to Know

Understand how Medicare premiums, IRMAA surcharges, HSAs, and medical expense deductions interact with your federal tax return.

How to Appeal Your IRMAA Surcharge After a Life-Changing Event

Learn how to request an IRMAA reduction from Social Security after retirement, divorce, or other qualifying life events using Form SSA-44.

IRMAA: A Guide to Medicare Income-Based Surcharges

Find out what IRMAA is, how income-based surcharges impact your Medicare premiums, and what steps you can take to lower them.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of any specific Medicare plan. Benefits, costs, and availability vary by plan and location. For complete information about your Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.