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Medicare tools
Pick one tool for your question. These estimators prepare you for a review — they do not quote carrier-specific premiums. Official plan comparisons stay on Medicare.gov.
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
Which tool do I need?
Choose the situation that fits best — we will point you to one tool instead of scrolling the full list.
Compare plans on Medicare.gov
Medicare.gov Plan Finder is the official tool for comparing every plan in your area. Gather these details first, then open Plan Finder — or bring your results to a free SwitchBlue review.
SwitchBlue is not the U.S. government or Medicare. Plan Finder on Medicare.gov is the official comparison tool. We can walk through your Plan Finder results at no cost to you.
Enrollment period checker
Find which Medicare enrollment window may apply right now. Special Enrollment Periods are fact-specific — an agent or SHIP counselor should confirm before you enroll.
Educational guide only. SEP eligibility depends on your specific facts and CMS rules. Your contact form will note this tool result so Max can confirm the correct window.
Part B late enrollment penalty estimator
If you delay Part B without creditable coverage, Medicare may add 10% to your Part B premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled — often for as long as you have Part B.
Example: 18 months → one full 12-month period → 10% penalty. Partial years under 12 months do not add a new 10% block.
Educational estimate only. Social Security determines Part B penalties. Special Enrollment Periods after employer coverage can change the outcome. Figures for calendar year 2026. Confirm on Medicare.gov / SSA before relying on them.
2026 IRMAA estimator
Estimate whether higher income may add an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) to your Part B and Part D premiums. For 2026, Social Security generally uses your 2024 tax return (MAGI).
MAGI ≈ adjusted gross income + tax-exempt interest (Form 1040).
Educational estimate only — not an official SSA determination. Life-changing events (marriage, divorce, work stoppage, etc.) may qualify you to request a new IRMAA decision. Figures for calendar year 2026. Confirm on Medicare.gov / SSA before relying on them.
Dedicated page: IRMAA calculator.
Part D out-of-pocket helper (2026)
Illustrate how covered drug spending can move through deductible → initial coverage → the $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap. Premiums and IRMAA do not count toward the cap.
Total pharmacy price before plan payment — not your copay alone.
Enter $0 if your plan has no deductible.
Estimated beneficiary drug OOP
$1,661.25
Below the $2,100 annual cap in this simplified model.
- Deductible$615
You pay 100% of covered drug costs until the plan deductible is met (if any).
- Initial coverage$1,046.25
Illustrative 25% coinsurance on covered drugs until you reach the annual out-of-pocket cap.
- Catastrophic$0
You do not reach the $2,100 cap at this spending level in the simplified model.
Recommended next step
See if the Prescription Payment Plan helps cash flow
Spreading costs does not lower your total — but it can make large pharmacy months easier to budget.
Educational model only. Real plans use drug tiers, preferred pharmacies, and copays — not a flat 25% on every drug. Extra Help and manufacturer discounts change what counts toward the cap. Figures for calendar year 2026. Confirm on Medicare.gov / SSA before relying on them.
OOP + Payment Plan together: Part D cost tools.
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan smoother
See how spreading remaining Part D out-of-pocket costs across the rest of the calendar year could look. MPPP does not lower your total drug costs — it changes when you pay.
Often what you still expect to pay toward the $2,100 annual cap (not premiums).
Illustrative monthly bill
~$300 / month
$1,800 spread over 6 months (plan bills may differ slightly from this equal split).
| Month | Estimated payment |
|---|---|
| July | $300 |
| August | $300 |
| September | $300 |
| October | $300 |
| November | $300 |
| December | $300 |
Recommended next step
Opt in through your drug plan if this helps
Ask your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan how to join the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. We can also walk through whether it fits your pharmacy pattern.
Opt in through your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan (or pharmacy, depending on process). Official monthly caps use CMS formulas that adjust when new charges post — this equal-split chart is for budgeting intuition only. Figures for calendar year 2026. Confirm on Medicare.gov / SSA before relying on them.
Extra Help eligibility screener
Quick check against 2026 screening limits. This is not an official Social Security determination — SSA decides Extra Help (LIS) eligibility.
SwitchBlue cannot approve Extra Help. For official rules see Medicare.gov help with drug costs. Figures for calendar year 2026. Confirm on Medicare.gov / SSA before relying on them.
Full guide: Extra Help & savings programs.
Medicare Savings Program screener
Check whether QMB, SLMB, or QI might help pay Part B premiums (and sometimes more). States run these programs — this uses approximate federal poverty guidelines for 2026.
Not a state Medicaid eligibility determination. Many people who get an MSP also qualify for Extra Help — try the Extra Help screener. Figures for calendar year 2026. Confirm on Medicare.gov / SSA before relying on them.
Prefer to Research on Your Own?
You can compare every plan available in your area and get unbiased, free help from official government resources: