Medicare Overview
Understand The Various Parts of Medicare
Medicare has several different parts, and each one plays a different role in your health coverage. This guide explains Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D, Medicare Supplement plans, and Medicare Advantage plans so you can better understand your options.
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Medicare Is Not One Single Plan
Medicare is made up of different parts. Some parts come directly from the federal Medicare program, while other coverage options are offered by private insurance companies. Understanding how these pieces fit together can help you make a more confident decision.
- Medicare Part A generally helps cover inpatient hospital care.
- Medicare Part B generally helps cover doctor visits and outpatient medical care.
- Medicare Part D helps cover prescription medications.
- Medicare Supplement plans can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits.
Explore the Main Parts of Medicare
Use the sections below to learn more about each Medicare option and how it may fit into your overall coverage.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is often called hospital insurance. It generally helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health services.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It generally helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, durable medical equipment, and medically necessary services.
Learn about Medicare Part B →
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drugs. Each plan can vary by premium, deductible, pharmacy network, copays, and covered medications.
Learn about Medicare Part D →
Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap plans, work with Original Medicare. They can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Learn about Medicare Supplement plans →
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies. They provide your Part A and Part B benefits and may include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits.
Learn about Medicare Advantage plans →
Need Help Choosing?
If you are not sure whether a Supplement plan, Advantage plan, or Part D plan is the right fit, a licensed Medicare advisor can help you compare your options.
How Medicare Coverage Can Be Put Together
Most people start with Medicare Part A and Part B, known as Original Medicare. From there, you may have different choices depending on how you want your coverage structured.
Original Medicare + Part D
You keep Medicare Part A and Part B and add a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for medication coverage.
Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D
You keep Original Medicare, add a Medicare Supplement plan to help with out-of-pocket costs, and add a Part D drug plan.
Medicare Advantage
You receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, which may include drug coverage and extra benefits.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
One of the biggest Medicare decisions is whether to choose Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
| Topic | Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Works with Original Medicare to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs. | Provides your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private plan. |
| Doctor access | Often allows broader provider flexibility, depending on Medicare acceptance. | Usually requires reviewing provider networks and plan rules. |
| Prescription coverage | Usually paired with a separate Part D prescription drug plan. | Many plans include prescription drug coverage, but not all do. |
| Best for | People who value flexibility and predictable medical cost-sharing. | People who want bundled coverage and are comfortable reviewing networks and plan details. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare
These answers can help you better understand how Medicare works and what to consider before choosing coverage.
What are the main parts of Medicare?
The main parts of Medicare are Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Part A generally covers inpatient hospital care. Part B generally covers doctor visits and outpatient medical services. Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage. Part D helps cover prescription drugs.
What is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. It is provided by the federal Medicare program. Many people with Original Medicare also consider adding a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D prescription drug plan.
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is commonly known as hospital insurance. It generally helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health services.
What is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It generally helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, durable medical equipment, and medically necessary services.
What is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies and can vary by premium, deductible, pharmacy network, copays, and covered medications.
What is a Medicare Supplement plan?
A Medicare Supplement plan, also called a Medigap plan, works with Original Medicare. It can help pay certain costs that Original Medicare does not fully cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
A Medicare Advantage plan is offered by a private insurance company. It provides your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and may include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, and other extra benefits depending on the plan.
Is Medicare Advantage the same as Medicare Supplement?
No. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans work differently. A Medicare Supplement plan works with Original Medicare. A Medicare Advantage plan is an alternative way to receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private plan.
Can I have both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
No. You generally cannot use a Medicare Supplement plan with a Medicare Advantage plan. These are different coverage paths, and it is important to understand the difference before enrolling.
How do I choose between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
The right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel needs, comfort with provider networks, and preference for flexibility. A licensed Medicare advisor can help you compare the pros and cons of each option.
Does it cost anything to work with Plan Medicare?
No. Plan Medicare provides Medicare guidance at no cost to clients. If you enroll through our agency, we may be compensated by the insurance carrier.
Have Questions About Your Medicare Options?
You do not have to figure out Medicare alone. Plan Medicare can help you understand your choices, compare coverage options, and feel more confident about your next step.