What most people get without a premium
Part A (hospital insurance) has no monthly premium for about 99% of people with Medicare, according to CMS, because they or a current, former or deceased spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters. If you have fewer quarters, you can buy Part A: in 2026 it costs $311 a month with 30 to 39 quarters and $565 a month with fewer than 30.
No premium doesn't mean no cost. If you're admitted to a hospital, you pay the Part A deductible, $1,736 per benefit period in 2026, and daily coinsurance for long stays.
What you pay for
- Part B premium: $202.90 a month in 2026, usually taken from your Social Security check. It's higher if your income is above the IRMAA threshold ($109,000 single, $218,000 joint, based on 2024 income).
- Part B deductible and coinsurance: $283 a year, then usually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, with no yearly limit in Original Medicare.
- Part D drug coverage: plans set their own premiums. Your costs for covered drugs are capped at $2,100 for 2026.
- Medicare Advantage: you keep paying your Part B premium, and some plans add a premium of their own. Each plan has a yearly limit on in-network costs.
- Medigap: a monthly premium that depends on the plan letter, the company, your age and your ZIP code.
Not covered by Original Medicare at all: most dental care, routine eye exams and glasses, hearing aids, and long-term custodial care. See what Medicare covers.
If the costs are hard to afford
- Medicare Savings Programs pay the Part B premium, and for QMB members also deductibles and coinsurance. Oregon has no asset test for them. See Medicare Savings Programs in Oregon.
- Extra Help lowers Part D premiums and copays. Apply through Social Security at ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213. See Extra Help in Oregon.
- The Oregon Health Plan can help with Medicare costs for people with low incomes. See OHP and Medicare.
To see what a plan would cost you, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent or use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder.
Related questions
How much does Medicare cost in Oregon?
Every 2026 amount in one table.
What is IRMAA and will I pay it?
Higher premiums at higher incomes.
How much is Part B in 2027?
What's known so far.
Sources
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
- Medicare.gov — Medicare costs
- Social Security — Sign up for Medicare
- Oregon Department of Human Services — Medicare Savings Programs
More questions in this guide
- How do I lower my IRMAA after I retire?
- How much does Medicare cost in Oregon?
- How much is Medicare Part B in 2027?
- What is IRMAA and will I have to pay it?
Part of the guide: Medicare costs in Oregon — 2026 · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Didn't I already pay for Medicare while I was working?
You paid for Part A. Medicare payroll taxes earn you Part A with no premium after 40 quarters of work. Part B and Part D are paid for partly by monthly premiums once you enroll.
Do I have to take Part B if it costs money?
Not always. If you or your spouse have group coverage from current work, you can usually delay Part B without a penalty. Otherwise, waiting can mean a lifelong late penalty.
Can Oregon help pay my Part B premium?
Yes, if your income qualifies. Oregon's Medicare Savings Programs pay the Part B premium and have no asset limit. Apply through ONE Oregon at one.oregon.gov or 1-800-699-9075.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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