Answers & Resources

Straight answers to common insurance questions

Name: McDowell Business Resources
Address: 7530 103rd St, Jacksonville, FL, 32222, US
Telephone: +1-888-661-0126
Price range: Free consultation

Each page answers one question in the first lines, with the figure, its year and its source, then explains what it means for you. Pick a topic below.

24 answers · updated October 15, 2026

Book a free consultation Call 888-661-0126

Medicare basics

Premiums, sign-up dates and income-based surcharges.

How much is the Medicare Part B premium?The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, up $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025. The Part B deductible is $283 for 2026. Higher…When can I sign up for Medicare?You can first sign up during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. It starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after that…What is IRMAA?IRMAA is an extra monthly charge on Medicare Part B and Part D for people with higher incomes. In 2026 it starts when your 2024 modified adjusted…

Medicare Advantage

What $0 plans cost, out-of-pocket limits and when you can switch.

Are $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans free?No. A $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan charges no extra premium of its own, but you still pay your Part B premium, $202.90 a month in 2026 for most…What is the Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket maximum?A Medicare Advantage plan’s yearly in-network out-of-pocket limit can’t be higher than $9,850 in 2027, up from $9,250 in 2026, under CMS rules. PPO…When can I switch Medicare Advantage plans?Most people switch Medicare Advantage plans during Open Enrollment, October 15 – December 7, with the new plan starting January 1. If you’re already…

Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

When to buy, and what Plan G and high-deductible G cover.

When is the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the 6 months that start the first day of the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During it, you…What does Medigap Plan G cover?Medigap Plan G pays almost every cost Original Medicare leaves you, including the $1,736 Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance and Part B excess…What is the high-deductible Plan G deductible?The high-deductible Plan G deductible is $2,950 in 2026 and rises to $3,050 in 2027, per CMS. You pay Medicare-covered costs up to that amount each…

Part D drug coverage

The yearly cap, the late penalty and insulin costs.

What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap?In 2026, the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100. Once what you pay for covered drugs reaches that amount, you pay $0 for covered drugs for…How is the Part D late enrollment penalty calculated?Medicare adds 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month you went without creditable drug coverage. In 2026 that base is $38.99.…How much does insulin cost on Medicare?In 2026, a one-month supply of each covered insulin costs you no more than $35, and you don't pay a deductible for it. That applies to insulin covered…

Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA)

Subsidy limits, open enrollment and getting your income right.

What is the income limit for ACA subsidies?For 2027 Marketplace coverage, the premium tax credit stops at 400% of the federal poverty line. That is $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a…When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance?Open enrollment for 2027 Marketplace coverage on HealthCare.gov runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. To have coverage start on January 1,…What happens if I underestimate my income for the premium tax credit?If your income ends up higher than you estimated, you got too much advance credit, and you pay the difference back on your tax return. Starting with…

Life insurance

Funeral costs, who has coverage and how payouts are taxed.

How much does a funeral cost?The national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), a…How many Americans have life insurance?About 52% of U.S. adults say they have life insurance, according to the 2026 Insurance Barometer Study by LIMRA and Life Happens, an industry study.…Are life insurance payouts taxable?Usually not. The IRS says life insurance proceeds paid because the insured person died aren't included in gross income and don't need to be reported.…

Dental, vision & hearing

What Medicare does and doesn’t pay for teeth, eyes and ears.

Does Medicare cover dental?Mostly no. Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures or implants, and you pay all costs for…Does Medicare cover eye exams and glasses?Not for routine care. Original Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, or the glasses themselves. Part B does cover one pair…Does Medicare cover hearing aids?No. Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or the exams to fit them, and you pay all costs. Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance…

Hospital & long-term care

Hospital stay costs, indemnity insurance and nursing homes.

What is hospital indemnity insurance?Hospital indemnity insurance pays you a fixed cash benefit when you are admitted to the hospital, usually a set amount per admission, per day, or…How much does a hospital stay cost with Medicare?With Original Medicare in 2026, you pay a $1,736 Part A deductible for each benefit period, then $0 a day through day 60. Days 61–90 cost $434 a day,…Does Medicare pay for a nursing home?Not for long-term care. Medicare doesn't pay for custodial care, the help with bathing, dressing and eating that most nursing home residents need. It…

Resources

Calculators & Tools19 free calculators built on official figures.

LocationsCounty and city guides with 2027 Medicare plan data.

GuidesLonger guides on choosing coverage.

BlogLocal data stories and plan-year updates.

Talk it through with a licensed agent

Free, no-pressure help comparing Medicare, Marketplace, life and supplemental coverage. Call or book a time that suits you.

Book a free consultation Call 888-661-0126

Medicare TPMO disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

McDowell Business Resources is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or CMS.

This page is general education, not insurance, tax, legal or investment advice. Figures are dated where shown and can change; your situation may differ, and product availability varies by state and carrier. McDowell Business Resources (MBR Insurance & Financial Services) is an independent agency, not an insurance carrier.