$0Part A premium for most people
$202.90Part B premium, 2026
$1,736Part A deductible per benefit period
$283Part B annual deductible
Side-by-side comparison
| Part A (hospital insurance) | Part B (medical insurance) | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing after a hospital stay, hospice, some home health | Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab tests, medical equipment, ambulance |
| Premium (2026) | $0 with 40+ work quarters; $311 or $565 otherwise | $202.90 a month (more at higher incomes) |
| Deductible (2026) | $1,736 per benefit period | $283 per year |
| Coinsurance | $0 for hospital days 1 to 60 after the deductible; $434 per day for days 61 to 90 | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, no annual cap |
| Do you have to sign up? | Automatic if you get Social Security at 65 | Automatic if you get Social Security at 65, but optional |
| Late penalty | Only if you pay a Part A premium | 10% per full 12 months delayed, for life |
How they work together
Part A pays when you are formally admitted to a hospital. Part B pays for the doctors who treat you in the hospital, and for care you get outside it. A single hospital stay can involve both, so you may owe a Part A deductible and Part B coinsurance for the same event.
What neither covers
Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs (that is Part D), routine dental, vision, or hearing care, or long-term custodial care. See dental, vision and hearing and nursing home care.
Filling the gaps
Because Part A and Part B leave you with deductibles, 20% coinsurance, and no out-of-pocket cap, many people add a Medigap policy or choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
Premium-free Part A is not automatic if you are not collecting Social Security. If you are not yet receiving benefits at 65, sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period.
See every 2026 cost on one page: how much Medicare costs.