Medicare is often described as a “safety net,” but for the unprepared, it can feel more like a high-wire act. In 2026, the complexity of the program has reached a fever pitch. With Part B premiums officially crossing the $200 threshold for the first time—rising to $202.90 per month—the margin for financial error has vanished. Many seniors rely on “water cooler wisdom” or outdated advice when signing up, but these Medicare enrollment assumptions can be incredibly expensive. From permanent “late taxes” to missing out on zero-cost drug price negotiations, here are seven assumptions that could cost you thousands this year.
