Medicare Basics
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, and for some younger people with disabilities or certain conditions. It is divided into parts, and each part covers different services.
The four parts of Medicare
- Part A (Hospital Insurance)
- Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance)
- Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical supplies and equipment.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage)
- Plans offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. They provide Part A and Part B coverage, usually include Part D, and may include extra benefits. Costs, provider networks, and benefits vary by plan.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
- Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It is offered through private plans, either as a stand-alone plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare is Part A and Part B, provided directly by the federal government. You can see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare. Many people add a stand-alone Part D plan for prescription drugs, and some also buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help with out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is another way to receive your Medicare benefits, through a private plan. These plans often use provider networks and may include benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. Each plan has its own costs and rules.
Neither option is right for everyone. Which one fits you depends on your health needs, your budget, the doctors you want to keep, and the plans available where you live.
Where to learn more
Medicare's own resources are the best place for complete, up-to-date information about all of your options:
- Medicare.gov, the official Medicare website
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048
- Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which offers free, unbiased counseling
If you would like to review the Medicare Advantage plans we offer in your area, a licensed insurance agent can help.