One of the most common questions I get from Kansas City residents turning 65 is simple: what is this actually going to cost me? The answer depends on which path you choose, but the numbers are knowable — and knowing them before you enroll can save you thousands.
What Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2026?
The standard Medicare Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month. This is deducted directly from your Social Security benefit if you’re already collecting, or billed quarterly if you’re not. Part B also has an annual deductible of $283 — you pay that once per year before Medicare starts covering outpatient services.
Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA surcharges. If your modified adjusted gross income exceeded $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (joint) in 2024, you’ll pay between $81.20 and $487.00 per month on top of the standard premium.
What Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2026?
Most people pay $0 for Part A if they or their spouse worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) and paid Medicare taxes. If you have 30–39 quarters, your Part A premium is $285/month. Fewer than 30 quarters means $518/month.
Even with premium-free Part A, you still have cost-sharing when you use it. The 2026 Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. Days 61–90 cost $434 per day. Skilled nursing facility days 21–100 cost $217 per day.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost in Kansas City?
Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in the Kansas City area — and for good reason. In 2026, Plan G premiums for a 65-year-old in the KC metro typically run $100–$180 per month depending on the carrier and your health history.
In exchange for that monthly premium, you pay virtually nothing out of pocket for covered services beyond the $283 annual Part B deductible. No copays, no coinsurance, no network restrictions. You can see any Medicare-accepting provider in the country.
What Does Medicare Advantage Cost in Kansas City in 2026?
Multiple carriers offer $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans in the Kansas City metro area. The $0 premium is real — but it doesn’t mean $0 cost. Medicare Advantage plans have cost-sharing every time you use care, and the maximum out-of-pocket limit in 2026 is $9,250 for in-network services.
For a healthy senior who rarely uses healthcare, a $0-premium Advantage plan can make financial sense. For someone managing chronic conditions or preferring total provider freedom, the math often favors Plan G despite the monthly premium.
What Does Part D Drug Coverage Cost in 2026?
The 2026 Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 — meaning your maximum annual drug costs are capped at that amount. The maximum Part D deductible is $615. Premiums vary widely by plan and by your specific drug needs.
The single most important thing about Part D: review your plan every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Formularies change annually and the plan that covered your medications best in 2025 may not be optimal in 2026.
What Is IRMAA and Does It Affect Kansas City Retirees?
IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is a Medicare surcharge for higher-income beneficiaries based on your tax return from two years prior. In 2026, IRMAA applies if your 2024 income exceeded $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (joint).
Given the Kansas City metro’s concentration of high-earning professionals retiring from companies like Cerner, Sprint/T-Mobile, and Hallmark, IRMAA affects more KC-area retirees than the national average. If your income dropped significantly at retirement, you can appeal your IRMAA determination using SSA Form SSA-44.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Medicare cost per month total in 2026?
At minimum, expect $202.90/month for Part B. Add $100–$180 for Plan G in the KC area, plus $20–$60 for a Part D plan, and a typical total is $325–$445/month for comprehensive coverage with virtually no out-of-pocket costs.
Is Medicare free at 65?
No. Medicare Part A is premium-free for most people, but Part B has a $202.90/month premium in 2026. Most people also need supplemental coverage — either a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan — to cover the gaps in Original Medicare.
When do Medicare costs change each year?
CMS typically announces the following year’s Medicare costs in November. Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing amounts are updated annually. I update my clients across Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and the full KC metro every fall during the Annual Enrollment Period review.