The 5 Best Questions To Ask About Medicare Coverage.

1. Will Original Medicare Alone Cover My Medical Costs?

Original Medicare covers many of your health care costs, but you’re generally responsible for deductibles and co-insurance. For example, in 2026, the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. If you have multiple hospital stays or need other medical services, your out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly.

A Medicare Supplement plan can help pay some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, but typically the monthly premiums for that additional coverage are high.

Another option is a Medicare Advantage plan. Johns Hopkins Advantage MD combines Medicare Part A and Part B coverage with plan-specific benefits and cost sharing, giving you another way to manage your Medicare coverage and health care expenses.

2. How Much are Premiums, Deductibles, Doctor Visits and Hospital Stays?

With Original Medicare, you generally pay a monthly Part B premium, deductibles and co-insurance for covered services. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90* per month, the Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period, and the Part B deductible is $283 per year. After meeting the Part B deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for Part B services.

With Advantage MD, you have plan options to fit your needs and budget. Depending on the plan you choose, you may have $0 for certain doctor visits or coverage for out-of-network** providers. Plus, Advantage MD plans have an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered medical services. Original Medicare by itself does not have an annual out-of-pocket maximum.

3. Do Plans Offer Benefits Beyond Original Medicare — Like Prescription Drug Coverage?

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans can include benefits beyond Original Medicare, depending on the plan you choose. 

With Advantage MD, you’ll get all the benefits covered by Original Medicare, along with additional benefits that may include prescription drug coverage^†, preventive dental and vision care, hearing benefits and fitness. 

4. Will I Have a Choice of Doctors and Hospitals?

With Original Medicare, you can generally see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, typically use a network of doctors and hospitals, although some plans offer coverage for care for providers outside of the network. 

With Advantage MD, you have access to a network of trusted Johns Hopkins providers and other participating doctors and hospitals in your community. Our network includes over 185 hospitals and facilities and over 29,000 providers. Plus, you’ll have the support and resources of Johns Hopkins Health Plans, backed by more than 120 years of experience from the experts in care. 

5. When Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?

Your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare generally begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month. If you continue working past age 65, your Medicare enrollment options and timing may be different depending on your employer coverage and other circumstances. 

Johns Hopkins Advantage MD is here to help whenever you’re ready to explore your Medicare options — whether you’re enrolling at age 65 or later. 

We have a long-standing commitment to the health and well-being of our neighbors. Whether you want one-on-one assistance from Medicare Specialists or practical, easy-to-use resources like a personalized Medicare Timeline, we’ll provide information and support to help you understand your Medicare options.