Below you will find current information for 2026 – also in the context of Poles and immigrants strong>, who often have additional questions regarding qualifications, Medicare number, residency status, or missing years of work.
1) Who can have Medicare in 2026?
Medicare is available to, among others:
- people who are 65 years old and are US citizens or legal residents (Green Card holders),
- people under 65 years old who receive disability benefits (SSDI) for a specified period,
- people with ESRD (end-stage renal disease) or ALS.
Important for immigrants (including Poles):
To get Medicare at age 65+, you usually need to meet the condition of:
- having legal US resident status for at least 5 years, or
- being a US citizen.
If someone does not have sufficient work history in the USA, they can still get Medicare – but some benefits may require a fee (especially Part A).
2) What does Medicare consist of? (A, B, C, D)
Medicare is divided into four main parts:
Medicare Part A – Hospitalization
Covers hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities after hospitalization, and hospice care.
In 2026, the Part A deductible: $1,736 per benefit period applies, among other things.
For many people, Part A is
Medicare Part B – Doctor visits, tests, outpatient medical care
Part B includes, among other things:
- doctor visits,
- diagnostic tests,
- outpatient care,
- some rehabilitation and preventive services.
In 2026:
- standard Part B premium: $202.90 per month
- annual Part B deductible: $283
Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage
These are private plans approved by Medicare that usually combine Part A + Part B, often with extras (e.g., dental, vision, hearing) and often include prescription drugs (Part D).
Disadvantages may include:
- limitations on doctor networks,
- the need for prior authorizations,
- different rules than Original Medicare.
Medicare Part D – Prescription drugs
This is prescription drug coverage provided by private plans.
In 2026, CMS announced, among other things:
- Part D base beneficiary premium: $38.99 (reference value – actual premiums vary depending on the plan and state).
3) How much does Medicare cost in 2026? (key figures)
Below are the key federal costs for 2026:
- Part B premium: $202.90/month
- Part B deductible: $283/year
- Part A deductible: $1,736 (per benefit period)
- Part D base beneficiary premium: $38.99 (reference)
Note: These amounts may be subject to additional payments, coinsurance, and IRMAA (for higher-income individuals).
4) IRMAA – Medicare surcharges for higher-income individuals (2026)
In 2026, some higher-income individuals pay an additional surcharge for:
- Part B and
- Part D (income-related monthly adjustment amount).
If income has decreased (e.g., retirement, job loss), an application for recalculation can be submitted.
5) Medicare and immigrants and Poles in the USA – most frequent questions
Do you need to be a US citizen to have Medicare?
Not always. Many Green Card holders may qualify for Medicare if they meet the conditions of legal residency and age, and possibly work/contributions.
What if I don’t have 10 years of work in the USA?
To receive
Can you use Medicare with only an ITIN?
An ITIN itself does not automatically grant the right to Medicare. Legal qualification (age + legal residency status + program requirements) is usually needed. Each case should be verified with the Social Security Administration.
6) When can you enroll in Medicare? (important dates)
Initial Enrollment Period
Usually covers 7 months:
- 3 months before your 65th birthday
- the month of your birthday
- 3 months after your birthday
Annual Open Enrollment (Medicare Advantage / Part D)
October 15 – December 7 each year.
Additional window for Medicare Advantage
January 1 – March 31 (for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage who want to change plans or return to Original Medicare).
7) Where to find your Medicare number? (very common question)
Your Medicare number is located on:
- your red, white, and blue Medicare card (or its electronic equivalent),
- it is labeled as Medicare Number.
If the card is lost or has not arrived, you can:
- order a new card through your SSA account,
- call 1-800-MEDICARE or Social Security.
8) What Medicare DOES NOT cover? (important for cost planning)
Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not fully cover:
- most dental services,
- most vision services (glasses),
- hearing aids,
- long-term care / custodial care,
- prescription drugs (requires Part D or Advantage).
Therefore, many people choose:
- Medigap (Supplement) + separate Part D, or
- Medicare Advantage (often with extras).
9) Where to get help in Polish?
For Poles in the USA, helpful resources include:
- Social Security Administration (SSA),
- the official Medicare website,
- local insurance offices and brokers,
- free counseling programs such as SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Summary: Medicare 2026 in one sentence
In 2026, Medicare remains a key health insurance for seniors and people with disabilities, and the most important updates concern premiums and deductibles – in particular Part B ($202.90/month, deductible $283) and Part A deductible ($1,736).
