---
title: "What Medicare actually costs — MedAdvise Insurance Group"
description: "The pieces that make up your real monthly cost — and where the surprises hide."
url: "https://medadviseinsurance.com/learn/medicare-costs-washington/"
---

[Education hub](https://medadviseinsurance.com/learn/) · Costs · 8 min read

# What Medicare actually costs

The pieces that make up your real monthly cost — and where the surprises hide.

“What will Medicare cost me?” is usually the first question — and the honest answer is: it depends on the path you choose. Here are the pieces, so the total makes sense.

## Costs almost everyone pays

-   **Part A** costs nothing each month for most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes, though in some instances a premium can apply.
-   **Part B** has a standard monthly premium set by the federal government each year (higher earners pay more).

## Costs that depend on your path

-   **Medicare Advantage:** plan premiums vary — some are quite low — and you share costs as you go (copays, coinsurance) up to an annual out-of-pocket maximum that resets each year. Some plans also offer a Part B premium giveback, which reduces what you pay toward your Part B premium; availability varies by plan and county.
-   **Medigap:** a higher, predictable monthly premium in exchange for far fewer bills when you use care. Premiums vary by plan letter, company, and age.
-   **Part D:** a monthly premium plus what you pay at the pharmacy, which depends heavily on how your medications sit on each plan’s list.

## Where the surprises hide

1.  **The late-enrollment penalties.** Delaying Part B or going without drug coverage too long can add permanent monthly penalties. Timing is money.
2.  **The cheapest premium trap.** A low monthly premium can cost more over the year once copays and drug tiers are counted. We always compare the year, not the month.
3.  **Plans change annually.** The plan that was cheapest for you last year may not be this year — that’s why I’m here to guide you along the way.

Questions about how this applies to you? Call [(253) 256-1637](tel:+12532561637) (TTY 711) — a complimentary plan review takes about 30 minutes.

## Reading is a start. Talking is faster.

Bring your questions — a complimentary review takes about 30 minutes.

[Book a Free Plan Review](https://medadviseinsurance.com/contact/) · [(253) 256-1637](tel:+12532561637)

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MedAdvise Insurance Group

(253) 256-1637 · TTY 711  
Serving all of Washington State  
Also licensed in Oregon, Idaho, Texas, Nevada, Georgia & Florida

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