Complete Guide to Medicare Costs in Nevada (2026)
Understanding Medicare costs is crucial for budgeting your healthcare expenses in retirement. This comprehensive guide breaks down every Medicare cost component for 2026, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits. We'll also cover cost-saving programs available to Nevada residents.
2026 Medicare Cost Highlights
- Part B standard premium: $202.90/month (2026)
- Part A deductible: $1,736 per benefit period (2026)
- Part B deductible: $283/year (2026)
- Part D drug cost cap: $2,100 out-of-pocket (2026)
In This Guide
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Costs
Good News: Part A is Usually Free!
If you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years), you won't pay a monthly premium for Part A.
Hospital Stay Costs (2026)
Deductible: $1,736 per benefit period (2026)
You pay this once per benefit period (not calendar year)
Skilled Nursing Facility Costs
Important: Must meet Medicare's criteria for skilled care - custodial care not covered
What if you don't qualify for premium-free Part A?
- • 30-39 quarters: $311/month premium (2026)
- • Less than 30 quarters: $565/month premium (2026)
- • Most people should buy Part A even with premium
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Costs
Standard Costs (2026)
$202.90/month (2026)
Monthly premium for most people
Example Monthly Costs
Original Medicare Only
Part B Premium: $202.90
Medical costs: 20% of approved amounts after the $283 deductible
Total: $202.90 plus your share of care (no yearly limit)
With Medigap Plan G
Part B Premium: $202.90
Medigap Premium: varies by insurer, age and ZIP code
Medical costs: The $283 Part B deductible, then little else
Total: $202.90 plus your Medigap premium
High-Income Surcharges (IRMAA)
If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds certain thresholds, you'll pay more for Part B:
| 2024 Income | Monthly Surcharge | Total Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Individual: $109,001-137,000 | Joint: $218,001-274,000 | +$81.20 | $284.10 |
| Individual: $137,001-171,000 | Joint: $274,001-342,000 | +$202.90 | $405.80 |
| Individual: $171,001-205,000 | Joint: $342,001-410,000 | +$324.60 | $527.50 |
| Individual: $205,001-499,999 | Joint: $410,001-749,999 | +$446.30 | $649.20 |
| Individual: $500,000+ | Joint: $750,000+ | +$487.00 | $689.90 |
Note: IRMAA is based on your tax return from 2 years ago. You can appeal if your income has decreased.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) Costs
2026 Standard Costs
How Part D Coverage Works
1. Deductible Phase
You pay 100% until deductible is met (if plan has one)
2. Initial Coverage
You pay copays/coinsurance until your out-of-pocket costs reach $2,100 for 2026
3. Catastrophic Coverage
You pay $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year (the coverage gap, or donut hole, ended in 2025)
Nevada Part D Tips
- • Nevada has 10 standalone Part D plans for 2026 (CMS, 2026)
- • The lowest standalone Part D premium in Nevada is $0 per month (CMS, 2026)
- • Always check if your medications are covered before enrolling
- • Consider generic alternatives to save money
- • Use GoodRx or Medicare Plan Finder to compare costs
Medigap Supplement Insurance Costs in Nevada
Medigap premiums vary significantly by insurance company, your age, location in Nevada, and tobacco use. Here are estimated monthly premiums for a 65-year-old non-smoker in Las Vegas. These are estimates only; actual rates vary by insurer, age and ZIP code:
Plan A
$150-200Basic benefits only
Plan B
$175-225Includes Part A deductible
Plan C
$200-275No longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries
Plan D
$175-250Good middle option
Plan F
$225-325No longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries
Plan G
$200-300Covers everything except the Part B deductible
Plan K
$75-12550% cost-sharing after deductible
Plan L
$100-15075% cost-sharing after deductible
Plan M
$150-20050% Part A deductible, Part B copays
Plan N
$125-175Part B copays up to $20/$50
Common Choices
Plan G - $200-300/month (est.)
Covers everything except Part B deductible
Plan N - $125-175/month (est.)
Lower premium, small copays for some services
Factors Affecting Premium
- • Age: Older applicants pay more
- • Location: Las Vegas vs rural Nevada
- • Tobacco use: Tobacco users usually pay more
- • Gender: Men and women may pay different rates
- • Insurance company: Rates vary significantly
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Costs
Typical Monthly Premiums
Plan Premium: Often $0-50/month (est.)
Plus Part B premium ($202.90 in 2026). Nevada average Medicare Advantage premium: $1.06/month (CMS, 2026)
Copays (check each plan's Summary of Benefits)
Nevada Medicare Advantage Considerations
- • Network restrictions - must use plan's doctors and hospitals
- • May require referrals to see specialists
- • Benefits can change yearly
- • Often includes extras like dental, vision, hearing aids
- • 74 plans in Clark County and 47 in Washoe County for 2026, including Special Needs Plans (CMS 2026 landscape)
Total Cost Comparisons: What You'll Really Pay
Original Medicare + Medigap G + Part D
$437.99-$537.99 (est.)
Monthly Premium
$283 (Part B only)
Annual Deductible
Generally very low
Max Out-of-Pocket
Predictable costs, travel frequently, see specialists
Medicare Advantage with drug coverage
$202.90-$252.90 (est.)
Monthly Premium
Varies by plan
Annual Deductible
Plan's yearly limit
Max Out-of-Pocket
Want lower premiums, stay in network, want extras
Original Medicare Only (NOT recommended)
$202.90
Monthly Premium
$1,736 per benefit period (Part A) + $283 per year (Part B)
Annual Deductible
Unlimited
Max Out-of-Pocket
Generally not recommended - high risk
Cost-Saving Programs for Nevada Residents
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
Eligibility: Income up to 135% of poverty level
Benefits: Pays the Part B premium; QMB also pays Part A premiums and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays
Nevada Info: Apply through Nevada Medicaid
Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)
Eligibility: Income up to 150% of poverty level
Benefits: Reduces Part D costs significantly
Nevada Info: Apply at Social Security office or online
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
Eligibility: Income up to 100% of poverty level
Benefits: Pays all Medicare premiums and cost-sharing
Nevada Info: Not full Medicaid; apply through Nevada Medicaid
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
Eligibility: Income 100-120% of poverty level
Benefits: Pays Part B premium only
Nevada Info: Apply through Nevada Medicaid
Federal Poverty Guidelines (for programs above)
Income limits for these programs are based on the Federal Poverty Level, which changes every year. Check the current limits at Medicare.gov or SSA.gov/extrahelp before you apply.
Planning Your Medicare Budget
Annual Medicare Budget Worksheet
Required Costs
Additional Options
Budget Planning Tips
- • Budget for at least the Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) plus any plan premiums
- • Include potential out-of-pocket medical expenses
- • Consider inflation - Medicare costs increase yearly
- • Keep emergency fund for unexpected medical bills
- • Review and adjust budget annually during AEP
Get Help Comparing Plans
Answer a few questions about your needs and budget to get help comparing plans; with your consent, a licensed agent may follow up. For free, unbiased counseling, you can also contact Nevada SHIP.
Get Help Comparing Plans