Medicare is a federal government health insurance program for people who are 65 or older. Younger people with certain disabilities may also qualify. Medicare is divided into“parts”, which cover specific services.

• Part A - Hospital Insurance
• Part B - Medical Insurance & Doctor Visits
• Part C - Medicare Advantage
• Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
• Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap)

 

What is Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance?

Medicare Part A is a health insurance program administered by the federal government which primarily covers inpatient hospital care, but also covers skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and home health care costs. Part A and Part B are also known as “Original Medicare”.

Learn more about Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance

 

What is Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance & Doctors Visits?

Medicare Part B is a health insurance program administered by the federal government which primarily covers non-hospital medical needs including doctor services, outpatient care, lab work, ambulance, and medical equipment costs. Part A and Part B are also known as “Original Medicare”.

Learn more about Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance & Doctors Visits

 

What is Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage or MA plans, which “bundles” Original Medicare Part A and Part B into one health insurance plan. Original Medicare is a health insurance program administered by the federal government, but Medicare Advantage plans are offered by health insurance companies approved by the federal government.

Most Medicare Advantage plans also bundle Part D - prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage can also include extra services not included in Part A and Part B, such as vision, hearing, dental, and wellness programs.

Learn more about Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage

 

What is Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage?

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage, which can be combined with other Medicare health insurance. Part D plans are offered by health insurance companies which are approved by the federal government.

It is optional to add a Part D plan to Original Medicare Part A and B, Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans, or Part C - Medicare Advantage plans (however many Medicare Advantage plans already include Part D coverage).

Learn more about Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage

 

What are Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (Medigap)?

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans cover costs not included in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are also known as Medigap, because they cover the “gaps” in Part A and B. Although Original Medicare is administered by the federal government, Medigap plans are offered by health insurance companies approved by the federal government.

Learn more about Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) Plans