What are the different parts of Medicare?
Part A — Hospital Insurance
You may not have to pay a premium for Part A if you or your spouse have already paid for it through your payroll taxes while working. Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, including critical access hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. You must meet certain conditions to get these benefits.
Part B — Medical Insurance
Most people pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. Part B helps cover doctors’ services and outpatient care. It also covers some other medical services that Part A does not cover, such as some of the services of physical and occupational therapists and some home health care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary.
Part C — Medicare Advantage Plans
These plans offer excellent benefits, often for low — or no — monthly plan premiums. They include Parts A and B, and some of them even include Part D (prescription drug coverage). The great thing about Medicare Advantage plans is they offer more benefits than Original Medicare, usually for the same cost. Different plans offer options to help you find the coverage that meets your unique needs.
Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans add drug coverage to Original Medicare and other plans. If you have Original Medicare alone and want Medicare drug coverage, you must join one of these plans. Some Medicare Advantage Plans include Part D coverage.