India, March 9 -- Medicare premiums and deductibles increased in 2026 from 2025. The standard Medicare Part B premium rose to $202.90 per month this year, up from $185 in 2025. Meanwhile, the annual deductible increased to $283, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Given the rising costs, waiting too long to enroll in Medicare can result in higher rates for the rest of your life, in addition to putting you at risk of a lapse in health insurance coverage. To help you avoid falling into that trap, let's go over how Medicare enrollment works.

There is a seven-month timeframe for your first Medicare enrollment. It starts three months prior to your 65th birthday and concludes three months following.

You can enroll...