Overview of Medicare Parts A, B, C & D

Part A helps cover the cost of care when you're admitted to a hospital. It includes inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility (after a hospital stay), hospice care, and some limited home health services. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes.

Part B covers the services you need to stay healthy and manage conditions. This includes doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests, preventive screenings (like mammograms or flu shots), mental health services, and durable medical equipment. There is a monthly premium for Part B, and you may also pay deductibles and coinsurance.

Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Part A and Part B coverage and often include extras like vision, dental, hearing, wellness programs, and even prescription drug coverage. Costs and coverage can vary by plan and location, but they must cover everything Original Medicare does at a minimum.

Part D helps lower the cost of your prescription medications. Plans are offered by private insurers and can be added to Original Medicare. Each plan has a list of covered drugs (called a formulary) and may include different costs, coverage rules, and pharmacy networks. Premiums and out-of-pocket expenses vary by plan.