Medicare is not free, and the bill arrives every month for the rest of your life. The standard Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 per month, which works out to roughly $2,435 a year per enrollee. Add Part D, a Medigap policy, and the occasional out-of-pocket charge, and most retirees end up writing checks ... What Happens When Medicare Premiums Are No Longer Your Problem?