What You’re Not Told About Medicare Costs

💸 Understanding the real costs of Medicare—and how to protect your wallet.

“Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.” — Benjamin Franklin

When people first hear about Medicare, they often breathe a sigh of relief—thinking, “Finally, free healthcare!” But here’s the truth: while Medicare is an incredibly valuable benefit, it’s not entirely free—and the expenses can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.

At C & K Healthcare Advisors, we believe knowledge is your best financial defense. So let’s shine a light on the lesser-known Medicare costs—and how you can plan ahead with confidence and peace of mind.

🏷️ 1. The Part B Premium—It’s Not Optional

Everyone enrolled in Medicare Part B pays a monthly premium—and in 2025, that standard amount is $174.70. But it doesn’t stop there.

If your income is above certain thresholds, you’ll face an extra charge called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). That means higher-income earners will pay more for both Part B and Part D.

💰 IRMAA Example (2025):

If your 2023 income was:

• Over $103,000 (individual)

• Over $206,000 (married filing jointly)

👉 You could pay hundreds more per month than you expected. And unfortunately, many people don’t find out until the bill arrives.

💥 2. The “Surprise” Costs in Original Medicare

Even with Parts A and B, you’ll still pay out-of-pocket for things like:

• $1,632 Part A deductible (per benefit period)

• $240 Part B deductible (per year)

• 20% coinsurance for Part B services

• No out-of-pocket maximum under Original Medicare

📉 Real-World Example:

Let’s say you need $50,000 in outpatient treatments. With 20% coinsurance, you could be left holding a $10,000+ bill—unless you have extra coverage like a Medigap policy.

💊 3. Prescription Drug Costs—If You Choose Wrong

Part D helps cover your medications—but not all plans are created equal. Choosing the wrong one (or delaying enrollment) can get costly.

• Plans have different premiums

• Copays and coinsurance depend on the drug tier

• Not every plan covers every medication

• Late enrollment penalties apply if you miss your window

🔍 Pro Tip: It's not just about having a drug plan. It’s about choosing the right one for your personal medication list.

👀 4. What Medicare Doesn’t Cover at All

This might come as a surprise—but Original Medicare doesn’t cover many everyday health needs, such as:

• Dental care (cleanings, crowns, dentures)

• Vision exams and eyeglasses

• Hearing aids and hearing exams

• Long-term care (like assisted living)

• Routine foot care and in-home custodial care

Unless you’ve added a Medicare Advantage plan or supplemental coverage, these costs are 100% on you.

🛡️ 5. How to Safeguard Against Medicare Gaps

Planning ahead can help you avoid surprise expenses. Here are a few smart ways to protect yourself:

✅ Medigap (Supplement Plans): Helps cover deductibles, coinsurance, and gaps in Original Medicare
✅ Medicare Advantage (Part C): Includes extra benefits and caps your annual out-of-pocket costs
✅ HIP & CHAS Plans: Hospital Indemnity and Critical Illness plans pay cash directly to you when you need it most
✅ Dental, Vision & Hearing Add-Ons: These benefits can be bundled or added separately to round out your coverage

💙 Why Work with C & K Healthcare Advisors?

Medicare isn’t cookie-cutter—and your financial health shouldn’t be either. At C & K Healthcare Advisors, we:

• Break down Medicare costs in real-world language

• Help you compare plans that truly fit your budget and lifestyle

• Build custom strategies that make sense for you

• Offer support, education, and compassionate care at every step

✨ Trusted Care. Tailored for You. ✨

🌟 Final Thought:

The biggest Medicare expense isn’t what you pay—it’s what you didn’t see coming.

Let C & K Healthcare Advisors help you navigate the twists and turns of Medicare costs, avoid costly surprises, and give you the freedom to focus on what matters most: enjoying your retirement with security and confidence.