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    Medicare 101 - Complete Guide for 2026

    A comprehensive visual guide covering all the Medicare basics - parts, costs, timelines, and how to choose the right plan.

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    PDF Guide

    By Nick Depke

    This complete Medicare 101 guide breaks down everything you need to know about Medicare in 2026 - written by licensed agent Nick Depke. It covers Parts A, B, C, and D with real 2026 costs, walks through IRMAA income surcharges, compares Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage, and explains the new $2,100 prescription drug cap. Whether you're approaching 65 or helping a loved one, this visual guide gives you a clear, no-nonsense foundation for making confident decisions.

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    What's Inside

    • Parts A, B, C & D explained with real 2026 costs and premiums
    • IRMAA income surcharge brackets and how to appeal them
    • Every enrollment period and deadline - IEP, AEP, OEP, GEP, and SEPs
    • Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage - which path fits you
    • The new $2,100 prescription drug cap and payment plan
    • Late enrollment penalties and how to avoid them
    • What Medicare does NOT cover - key gaps and how to fill them

    About the Author

    Nick Depke - Licensed Independent Insurance Agent

    Nick Depke

    Licensed Independent Agent

    Nick Depke is a licensed independent insurance agent based in Omaha, Nebraska. He specializes in Medicare, health insurance, and life insurance - helping individuals and families find the right coverage without the pressure. Nick works with multiple carriers to ensure his clients get unbiased recommendations tailored to their needs.

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    Related Resources

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This guide puts everything in one place with plain-English explanations - real 2026 dollar amounts, side-by-side plan comparisons, IRMAA brackets, and a clear breakdown of enrollment periods. It's designed to save you hours of research and help you avoid costly mistakes.

    Starting in 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act caps total out-of-pocket Part D drug spending at $2,000 (adjusted to $2,100 for 2026). The guide explains the three coverage phases - deductible, initial coverage, and catastrophic - and how the new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread costs monthly.

    IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is a surcharge added to your Part B and Part D premiums if your income exceeds certain thresholds. The guide includes the full 2026 bracket table and explains how to file an appeal if your income has dropped due to a life-changing event.

    Yes - the Enrollment Guide focuses specifically on the enrollment process and deadlines. This Medicare 101 guide is a broader, more comprehensive overview covering costs, coverage details, IRMAA, plan comparisons, penalties, and 2026 changes all in one resource.

    Absolutely. Nick offers free, no-obligation consultations to help you compare plans and find the best fit for your needs and budget. You can schedule a call directly from this page.

    Ready to Find the Right Coverage? Get a Free Quote

    Tell me about your situation and I'll research the best options for you - no obligation, no pressure. Takes about 3 minutes.

    Get a Free Quote (402) 680-6171

    Ready to Find the Right Coverage? Get a Free Quote

    Tell me about your situation and I'll research the best options for you - no obligation, no pressure. Takes about 3 minutes.

    Get a Free Quote (402) 680-6171