Parts of Medicare

Medicare is split into parts so each piece can focus on a different type of care. Together they cover most of what people 65+ need.

• Part A — Hospital coverage
• Part B — Medical / doctor coverage
• Part C — Medicare Advantage (a private plan that bundles A, B, and usually D)
• Part D — Prescription drug coverage
• Medigap — Optional supplement that helps cover what Original Medicare doesn't

Part A helps pay for inpatient care, including:

• Hospital stays
• Skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay
• Hospice care
• Some home health care

Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A because they (or a spouse) paid into Medicare taxes while working.

Part B covers outpatient and "doctor-side" care:

• Doctor visits
• Preventive care and screenings
• Lab work and imaging
• Durable medical equipment
• Some mental health services

Part B has a monthly premium set by the government each year, plus a deductible and a share of costs after that.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare.

These plans usually:

• Bundle Part A, Part B, and often Part D into one plan
• Use a network of doctors and hospitals
• May include extras like dental, vision, or hearing
• Have their own copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits

Part D helps cover prescription medications. You can get it as a standalone plan (with Original Medicare) or bundled into a Medicare Advantage plan.

Each Part D plan has its own:

• Formulary — the list of covered drugs
• Tiers — how drugs are grouped for cost
• Pharmacy network — where you get the best price

Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement) is a separate policy you can add to Original Medicare. It helps pay some of the costs that Original Medicare leaves behind — like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

• Works alongside Original Medicare, not instead of it
• Lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare
• Does not include prescription coverage — you'd add Part D separately