1. Medicare costs are increasing in 2026, with the standard monthly Part B premium rising to $202.90 and the annual deductible for Part B increasing to $283. Additionally, the Part A inpatient deductible for hospital stays is going up to $1,736, along with rising daily coinsurance rates under Part A.
2. Medicare won’t cover everything, such as dental care, vision exams, and hearing aids. Consider signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan or saving funds in a health savings account to cover these services.
3. Ensure timely enrollment in Medicare to avoid lifelong surcharges on monthly premiums. Late enrollment could lead to financial strain throughout retirement.
4. Consider supplemental insurance like Medigap to cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare. The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during the six-month period starting at age 65.

Read more at Nasdaq, Inc.: 4 Things Every Retiree Needs to Know About Medicare in 2026