Complete Guide to Medicare Costs in Nevada (2025-2026)
Understanding Medicare costs is crucial for budgeting your healthcare expenses in retirement. This comprehensive guide breaks down every Medicare cost component for 2025-2026, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits. We'll also cover cost-saving programs available to Nevada residents.
2025-2026 Medicare Cost Highlights
- Part B standard premium: $185/month (2025)
- Part A deductible: $1,676 per benefit period (2025)
- Part B deductible: $257/year (2025)
- Medicare Advantage max: $8,850 out-of-pocket (2025)
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 (2025-2026)
Deductible: $1,676 per benefit period (2025), $1,720 (2026 est.)
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: $285/month premium
- • Less than 30 quarters: $518/month premium
- • Most people should buy Part A even with premium
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Costs
Standard Costs (2025-2026)
$185/month (2025), $190/month (2026 est.)
Monthly premium for most people
Example Monthly Costs
Typical Nevada Senior
Part B Premium: $185
Average monthly medical: $150
Total: ~$335/month
With Medigap Plan G
Part B Premium: $185
Medigap Premium: $250
Medical costs: Minimal
Total: ~$435/month
High-Income Surcharges (IRMAA)
If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds certain thresholds, you'll pay more for Part B:
2023 Income | Monthly Surcharge | Total Premium |
---|---|---|
Individual: $103,000-129,000 | Joint: $206,000-258,000 | +$69.90 | $244.60 |
Individual: $129,000-161,000 | Joint: $258,000-322,000 | +$174.70 | $349.40 |
Individual: $161,000-193,000 | Joint: $322,000-386,000 | +$279.50 | $454.20 |
Individual: $193,000-500,000 | Joint: $386,000-750,000 | +$384.30 | $559.00 |
Individual: $500,000+ | Joint: $750,000+ | +$419.30 | $594.00 |
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
2025-2026 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 $5,150 total drug costs
3. Coverage Gap (Donut Hole)
You pay 25% until $8,300 for 2025 out-of-pocket
4. Catastrophic Coverage
You pay very little for rest of year
Nevada Part D Tips
- • Nevada has 27 standalone Part D plans available for 2025
- • Premiums range from $10 to $200+ per month
- • 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 typical monthly premiums for a 65-year-old non-smoker in Las Vegas:
Plan A
$150-200Basic coverage - becoming rare
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
$200-300Most popular - best value
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
Most Popular in Nevada
Plan G - $200-300/month
Covers everything except Part B deductible
Plan N - $125-175/month
Lower premium, small copays for some services
Factors Affecting Premium
- • Age: Older applicants pay more
- • Location: Las Vegas vs rural Nevada
- • Tobacco use: Up to 50% surcharge
- • Gender: Women may pay slightly more
- • Insurance company: Rates vary significantly
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Costs
Typical Monthly Premiums
Plan Premium: Often $0-50/month (plus Part B premium)
Plus Part B premium ($185)
Typical Copays
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
- • Popular in Las Vegas and Reno metro areas
Total Cost Comparisons: What You'll Really Pay
Original Medicare + Medigap G + Part D
$450-550
Monthly Premium
$240 (Part B only)
Annual Deductible
Generally very low
Max Out-of-Pocket
Predictable costs, travel frequently, see specialists
Medicare Advantage with drug coverage
$200-250
Monthly Premium
$0-500
Annual Deductible
$8,850
Max Out-of-Pocket
Lower income, stay in network, want extras
Original Medicare Only (NOT recommended)
$175
Monthly Premium
$1,872
Annual Deductible
Unlimited
Max Out-of-Pocket
Generally not recommended - high risk
Annual Cost Examples (Nevada Senior)
Healthy Senior (few medical needs)
- • Medicare Advantage: $2,500-3,500/year
- • Original Medicare + Medigap: $5,500-6,500/year
- • Original Medicare only: $2,500-15,000+/year
Senior with Health Issues
- • Medicare Advantage: $4,000-8,850/year
- • Original Medicare + Medigap: $5,500-7,000/year
- • Original Medicare only: $10,000-50,000+/year
Cost-Saving Programs for Nevada Residents
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
Eligibility: Income up to 135% of poverty level
Benefits: Pays Part B premium, deductibles, 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: Full Medicaid benefits
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
Eligibility: Income 100-120% of poverty level
Benefits: Pays Part B premium only
Nevada Info: Through Nevada Department of Health
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (for programs above)
Individual
- • 100%: $15,060
- • 135%: $20,331
- • 150%: $22,590
Married Couple
- • 100%: $20,440
- • 135%: $27,594
- • 150%: $30,660
Planning Your Medicare Budget
Annual Medicare Budget Worksheet
Required Costs
Additional Options
Budget Planning Tips
- • Budget for at least $250-400/month in Medicare costs
- • 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 a Personalized Cost Analysis
Our Nevada Medicare specialists can help you understand exactly what your Medicare will cost and find the most affordable options for your situation.
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