03/05/2026
Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Part A helps pay for care received during hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and certain home health services.
Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance
Part B helps cover routine and outpatient medical services. This includes doctor appointments, outpatient treatments, lab work, X-rays, preventive services, and some medical equipment.
Unlike Part A, Part B requires a monthly premium and includes an annual deductible.
(Together, Medicare Parts A and B are referred to as Original Medicare.)
Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide the same basic coverage as Original Medicare but may also include additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and sometimes prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D helps pay for prescription medications. These plans are provided by private insurance companies and can either be included in a Medicare Advantage plan or purchased separately to work alongside Original Medicare.