Your 2026 Medicare Playbook
The Ultimate Medicare Guide
Avoid the $20,000+ mistakes most retirees make. No webinars. No seminars. No textbooks. Just plain-language answers.
The Foundation: Original Medicare
Everyone on Medicare starts with two parts. These are the building blocks of your coverage.
Part A
Hospital Coverage
$1,736
Your Deductible (Per Benefit Period)
Covers inpatient care at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice AFTER your deductible is met. Usually $0 monthly premium if you or your spouse worked 40 quarters (10 years).
Part B
Medical Coverage
$202.90/mo
Standard Monthly Premium | $283 Annual Deductible
Covers 80% of most outpatient services like doctor visits, ER, and durable medical equipment. Everyone pays this. High income earners may pay more.
Part B Has a Hidden Danger
You pay 20% coinsurance on ALL outpatient services with NO CAP. There is no out-of-pocket limit on your 20% share. A $500,000 bill means $100,000 out of your pocket.
You Have Two Paths Forward
Both paths can work well. The right one depends on what matters most to you. Tap each path to learn more.
Path 1
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
How it works: You keep Original Medicare and buy a private plan to cover the gaps.
Cost: $100 to $150/month extra + cost of a standalone drug plan.
Key benefit: Freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. No networks. No referrals.
Path 2
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
How it works: A private plan pays for your care instead of Original Medicare.
Cost: Most plans have no monthly premium. You pay co-pays for each service.
Key benefit: Includes prescription coverage, dental, vision, hearing, and more.
Part D Is Required... Or Else
Supplement path: You MUST purchase a separate Part D drug plan.
Advantage path: Prescription coverage is built into your plan.
Penalty risk: 1% penalty per month for life if you delay. Example: 5 years late = 60% penalty for life.
2026 protection: $2,000 annual out-of-pocket maximum. No more donut hole.
What Most Agents Will Not Tell You
Even "Perfect" Plans Have Gaps
Both paths still leave you with 3 critical risks that could destroy your financial security.
Gap 1
Critical Illness
Cancer, heart attack, stroke
$3,000 - $7,000 per year in out-of-pocket costs
Gap 2
Skilled Nursing
Medicare only covers 100 days
$10,000 per month after day 100. 60% of seniors will need it.
Gap 3
Out-of-Pocket Exposure
Hospital stays, surgeries, ER visits, ambulance rides
$8,000+ potential maximum out-of-pocket per year
Your Package, Built Your Way
You choose your preferred health coverage style. We build the right protection package around it.
Supplement Path
Advantage Path
Three Myths About Getting Help
"It costs money to use us."
Our help is 100% no-cost.
"Your plan will cost more."
You pay the exact same price with or without us.
"Agents are biased."
We work for YOU, not insurance companies.
Follow Us on TikTok
Get quick Medicare tips, plan comparisons, and enrollment reminders in 60 seconds or less.
@drtylerdalton1 on TikTokGain Complete Confidence
A 30-minute chat is all it takes.
When you schedule your no-cost appointment, we will analyze your specific doctors, medications, and zip code. We will show you the exact costs for both Medicare paths in your area, configure your Complete Protection Package, and handle the entire enrollment process for you.
No Pressure. No Fees. Just Answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 30 organizations which offer 96 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. This content is for educational purposes only. Medicare plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by location and change annually. Dalton Insurance Agency is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program.