If your income in retirement is above a certain threshold, you may be paying significantly more for Medicare than your neighbors — and most people don’t find out until they receive their first bill. This extra charge is called the Medicare IRMAA surcharge, and in 2026 it kicks in at $106,000 for single filers. Here’s what it is, how it works, and what you can do about it.
What Is the Medicare IRMAA Surcharge?
IRMAA stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It’s an additional premium that higher-income Medicare beneficiaries pay on top of standard Part B and Part D premiums. The Medicare IRMAA surcharge is determined by Medicare.gov and adjusted annually.
In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185.00 per month. However, if your income exceeds the threshold, you pay considerably more — potentially hundreds of dollars more per month.
Who Gets Hit by the Medicare IRMAA Surcharge?
The Medicare IRMAA surcharge is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior. So your 2026 Medicare premiums are based on your 2024 tax return. That two-year lag catches many retirees off guard — especially those who had a high-income year due to:
Selling a home or investment property
Large capital gains from selling stocks or a business
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts
Roth IRA conversions
A final year of high employment income before retiring
2026 Medicare IRMAA Surcharge Brackets
Here are the 2026 IRMAA thresholds and the resulting Part B premiums:
Individual Income
Joint Income
Monthly Part B Premium
Up to $106,000
Up to $212,000
$185.00
$106,001–$133,000
$212,001–$266,000
$259.00
$133,001–$167,000
$266,001–$334,000
$370.00
$167,001–$200,000
$334,001–$400,000
$480.90
Above $200,000
Above $400,000
$591.90
At the highest bracket, a married couple could each pay $591.90/month — over $14,000 per year combined just for Part B alone, before any other Medicare costs.
If your income dropped for any of these reasons, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the surcharge immediately rather than waiting for Social Security to use a more recent tax year.
How Medicare Supplement Plan G Protects You
The Medicare IRMAA surcharge increases your Part B premium — but it doesn’t change what Medicare covers or what you owe for services. That’s where a Medicare Supplement Plan G comes in.
With Plan G, once you pay the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), you pay nothing out of pocket for covered Medicare services for the rest of the year. If you’re already paying higher premiums due to IRMAA, the last thing you want is additional copays and coinsurance on top. Plan G eliminates that exposure entirely.
Questions About Your Medicare Costs?
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker based in Surprise, AZ. I help Arizona retirees understand their Medicare costs — including the Medicare IRMAA surcharge — and choose the right supplement plan. My help costs you nothing extra.
Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026. If you’re turning 65 or newly enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plan G fills nearly every gap Original Medicare leaves behind. In this guide, you’ll see exactly what Plan G covers, what it costs in Arizona, and why most of my clients choose it over every other option.
What Medicare Supplement Plan G Covers
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is a solid foundation. However, it leaves you responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs — including the 20% coinsurance on doctor visits and hospital stays. Medicare Supplement Plan G steps in and covers those gaps.
Plan G covers all of the following:
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
Medicare Part A deductible — $1,676 in 2026
Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments — 100% covered after your deductible
Foreign travel emergency care — up to plan limits
The only cost you pay with Plan G is the annual Part B deductible — $257 in 2026. After that, you owe nothing for covered services for the rest of the year.
How Medicare Supplement Plan G Works
Think of Medicare Supplement Plan G as a shield for your savings. Here’s how it works step by step:
You pay the Part B deductible once per year ($257 in 2026)
After that, Plan G pays 100% of your Medicare-approved medical bills
You can see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals, no prior authorizations
As a result, your healthcare costs for the year are completely predictable. You know your maximum out-of-pocket before January even starts.
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Other Plans
While other Medigap plans exist, Plan G is the gold standard for new Medicare enrollees. Here’s why:
vs Plan N: Plan N costs less per month but charges copays of up to $20 per office visit and $50 per ER visit. If you see doctors regularly, Plan G often costs less overall.
vs Plan F: Plan F covers the Part B deductible too, but it’s no longer available to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020. Plan G is the closest equivalent.
vs Medicare Advantage: Medicare Advantage plans often have networks, prior authorization requirements, and annual plan changes. Plan G works with Original Medicare — no networks, no surprises.
Medicare Supplement Plan G and Mayo Clinic
One of the most important differences between Plan G and Medicare Advantage is hospital access. Mayo Clinic Arizona accepts Original Medicare — and therefore accepts Plan G. Most Medicare Advantage plans, however, are not accepted at Mayo Clinic.
If keeping access to major specialty hospitals matters to you, that distinction alone makes Plan G worth considering.
The Enrollment Window for Medicare Supplement Plan G
When you first enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month open enrollment window for Medigap. During this period, insurance companies cannot deny you Medicare Supplement Plan G or charge more based on your health history.
After this window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting. Consequently, pre-existing conditions could affect your eligibility or premium. This window only happens once — so timing matters.
If you’re turning 65, get your Plan G in place before your birthday month. Don’t wait.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost in Arizona?
Plan G premiums vary by age, gender, and carrier. However, as a general benchmark for Arizona in 2026:
Age 65: approximately $100–$150/month depending on carrier
Age 70: approximately $130–$190/month depending on carrier
Age 75: approximately $160–$230/month depending on carrier
Rates for the same plan can vary significantly between carriers. Therefore, comparing quotes from multiple companies before you enroll can save you $50–$100 per month — with identical coverage.
Get a Free Medicare Supplement Plan G Quote in Arizona
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare Supplement broker based in Surprise, AZ. I’ve been helping Arizona residents enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G since 2004. I compare rates from multiple carriers and walk you through your options at no cost to you.
Your premium is the same whether you use a broker or go direct. You’re just getting 20+ years of Arizona experience at no charge.
If you’ve spent the last year realizing that Medicare Advantage isn’t working for you — prior authorization denials, limited networks, surprise bills — you’re not alone. Thousands of Arizona seniors make the switch back to Original Medicare every year. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, what windows are available, and what to watch out for.
Why People Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
The most common reasons I hear from clients who want to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare:
Their doctor left the plan’s network
Prior authorization delays for procedures or specialists
Moving to a different part of Arizona or another state
Wanting access to Mayo Clinic or a major specialty hospital
High out-of-pocket costs after a serious illness
The plan’s benefits changed significantly at renewal
When Can You Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?
There are two main windows to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare. Missing these windows means waiting until the next opportunity.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
January 1 – March 31 every year. During this window you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop Medicare Advantage entirely and return to Original Medicare. Coverage changes take effect the first of the following month.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7 every year. This is the main Medicare enrollment window. You can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, with changes taking effect January 1. According to Medicare.gov, this is the primary window for making coverage changes.
The One-Way Door Problem: Medical Underwriting
Here’s the critical issue most people don’t know about when they try to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare: returning to Original Medicare is only half the equation.
Once you’re back on Original Medicare, you’ll want a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan G to cover your out-of-pocket costs. But outside of your original 6-month Medigap open enrollment window, insurance companies can use medical underwriting — meaning they can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.
This is why I always tell clients: if you’re on Medicare Advantage and thinking about switching, do it sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more your health may change, and the harder it becomes to qualify for Medigap.
Special Enrollment Periods for Switching
In some situations you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare outside the standard windows:
You moved out of your plan’s service area
Your plan is leaving the Medicare program
You qualify for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)
You were misled by your plan or agent
The Social Security Administration and Medicare handle these situations case by case. If you think you qualify, act quickly — SEP windows are typically 60 days.
Step-by-Step: How to Switch Back to Original Medicare
Confirm you’re in an eligible enrollment window (MA OEP, AEP, or SEP)
Contact your Medicare Advantage plan to disenroll — call the number on your plan card
Confirm your return to Original Medicare Parts A and B
Apply for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan — do this simultaneously if possible
Sign up for a Part D prescription drug plan if you need one
Ready to Switch? I Can Help
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker in Surprise, AZ. I don’t sell Medicare Advantage — and I help Arizona seniors navigate the process to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare and get enrolled in the right Medigap plan. My help costs you nothing extra.
If you’ve been searching for “Medicare Part G,” here’s the clarification: there is no Medicare Part G. What you’re looking for is Medicare Supplement Plan G — also called Medigap Plan G. It’s the most comprehensive Medicare supplement available to new enrollees in 2026, and most independent brokers consider it the gold standard for a reason. Here’s exactly what it covers and why it stands out.
What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G is a Medigap plan that fills in most of the gaps Original Medicare leaves behind. Think of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) as a solid foundation with some expensive holes — 20% coinsurance on doctor visits, a $1,676 hospital deductible, and no out-of-pocket maximum. Medicare Supplement Plan G patches nearly all of those holes.
It’s sold by private insurance companies but standardized by the federal government, so the benefits are identical regardless of which company you buy from. What differs is the monthly premium — and that’s where comparison shopping matters.
What Plan G Covers in 2026
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers the following in 2026:
Part A deductible — $1,676 per benefit period
Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
Part A hospice care coinsurance
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Part B coinsurance or copayments — 100% covered after the Part B deductible
Part B excess charges — if a doctor charges more than Medicare allows, Plan G covers the difference
Foreign travel emergency care — up to plan limits
The only cost you pay with Medicare Supplement Plan G is the annual Part B deductible — $257 in 2026. After that, you owe nothing for covered services for the rest of the year. No copays, no coinsurance, no networks.
Why Plan G Is the 2026 Gold Standard
Plan G replaced Plan F as the top-tier Medigap option when Plan F was discontinued for new enrollees in 2020. The only difference between Plan F and Plan G is the Part B deductible — Plan F covered it, Plan G doesn’t. Since the deductible is only $257 per year, and Plan G premiums are typically $30–$50 less per month than Plan F, Plan G almost always wins on math.
According to Medicare.gov, Plan G is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans available and one of the most widely purchased by new Medicare enrollees.
Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Right for You?
The most common comparison is Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N. Plan N has lower premiums but adds:
Up to $20 copay per office visit
Up to $50 copay per emergency room visit (waived if admitted)
No coverage for Part B excess charges
If you’re healthy and see doctors infrequently, Plan N may save you money. If you want maximum simplicity and predictability, Medicare Supplement Plan G is the better choice. I compare both for every client and let the numbers speak.
Mayo Clinic Coverage With Medigap
Mayo Clinic Arizona accepts Original Medicare — and therefore accepts Medicare Supplement Plan G. Most Medicare Advantage plans are not accepted at Mayo Clinic. If access to major specialty hospitals matters to you, Plan G is your path.
Get a Free Medigap Quote in Arizona
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker in Surprise, AZ. I’ve been helping Arizona seniors enroll in the right Medigap plan since 2004. I compare rates from multiple carriers and find you the lowest premium for identical coverage.
Most people don’t realize that missing the Medicare enrollment deadline doesn’t just mean signing up late — it means paying higher premiums for the rest of your life. The 7-month Initial Enrollment Period is the most important window in your entire Medicare journey. Here’s exactly what it is, when it opens, and what happens if you miss it.
What Is the 7-Month Medicare Enrollment Deadline?
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window that surrounds your 65th birthday. This is your primary opportunity to enroll in Medicare without facing permanent late enrollment penalties. The window runs:
3 months before your birthday month
Your birthday month itself
3 months after your birthday month
Missing this Medicare enrollment deadline — without having qualifying employer coverage — triggers late enrollment penalties that are permanent and compound over time.
The Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
The Part B penalty is the most damaging. For every full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn’t, your premium goes up 10% — permanently. According to Medicare.gov, the standard Part B premium in 2026 is $185/month. Here’s what a delay costs:
1-year delay: +$18.50/month forever
2-year delay: +$37/month forever
5-year delay: +$92.50/month forever
Over a 20-year retirement, a 2-year delay costs over $8,800 in extra premiums — from a single avoidable mistake.
When Can You Delay Without Penalty?
You can delay enrolling beyond the IEP without penalty only if you have active coverage through a current employer (yours or a spouse’s) at a company with 20 or more employees. Importantly:
COBRA does not count as qualifying coverage for this exception
Retiree health coverage does not count
The employer must currently employ you — not just be offering retiree benefits
When that employer coverage ends, you get a Special Enrollment Period of 8 months to sign up for Medicare without penalty.
The Medigap Open Enrollment Window
Tied to the Medicare enrollment deadline is an equally important window for Medigap: the 6-month open enrollment period that starts when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, no insurer can deny you a Medicare Supplement Plan G or charge more based on your health. After it closes, underwriting applies.
This window only happens once. Once it’s gone, switching to Medigap may be medically difficult or impossible.
Get Help With Medicare Enrollment in Arizona
I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Medicare broker in Surprise, AZ. I help Arizona seniors navigate the Medicare enrollment deadline — making sure they enroll at the right time and choose the right coverage without paying permanent penalties.
