Understand the parts of Medicare
A practical starting point for understanding your choices. Check the official sources for details that apply to you.
What each part covers
Medicare has different parts because hospital care, medical care, and prescriptions are covered in different ways. Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility when requirements are met, hospice, and some home health care. Part B helps pay for doctor and other provider services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and many preventive services.
Part D helps with prescription drug costs. Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that provides most Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare; most plans also include drug coverage. Coverage rules and what you pay depend on the service and the coverage you choose.
How the pieces fit together
Original Medicare means Part A and Part B. You can generally visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, and you can join a separate Medicare drug plan for Part D coverage. If you qualify to buy one, a Medigap policy can help pay certain costs left by Original Medicare; Medigap is a separate policy, not a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage is another way to receive most of your Part A and Part B benefits. You still have Medicare, but the plan may have a service area, provider network, and rules for getting care. Check its drug benefits separately, because plan details vary.
Start with your needs
Before you compare options, make a short list of the doctors and hospitals you want to use, every prescription you take, your preferred pharmacies, and any other coverage you already have. Include premiums in your budget, but also think about deductibles and costs when you use care.
Compare actual plans available where you live. A plan that works for someone in another area may have different doctors, pharmacies, or benefits in your area. Medicare.gov can show the available options; you can also bring your list to a licensed agent when you want help reviewing it.
Official Medicare sources
Rules and plan details may change. Check Medicare.gov for current information.