Language
Contact Us

What are the different parts of Medicare?

Learn about the different parts of Medicare, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and Medicare Supplement policies.

Part A
Hospital Insurance

Original Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Part B
Medical Insurance

Original Medicare Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Part C
Medicare Advantage

Combines Medicare Parts A and B, plus extra benefits, like vision, hearing, and dental services, and may include Part D prescription drug coverage, too.

Part D
Prescription Drug

Covers your prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).

Medicare Supplement
(also called Medigap)

Helps pay some costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B).

Explore Medicare plan types

Everyone has different health care needs—and we have health solutions for every stage of life. When it comes to Medicare, we make sure you have more options so you can get the coverage that works best for you. 

Part A - Hospital Insurance 

  • Original Medicare Part A covers inpatient care you get at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Sometimes, Part A covers care you get at home, too.

  • Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A.*

  • You may pay a deductible, copays, and coinsurance for your health care, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan to help cover those costs.

    *For most people receiving Social Security benefits

Part B - Medical Insurance

  • Original Medicare Part B covers your doctor’s visits plus preventive care, ambulance services and durable medical equipment.
  • Part B is optional. You don’t have to sign up for Part B if you don’t want it.
  • You usually pay a monthly premium.

For most services, you pay a yearly deductible and coinsurance, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan.

Medicare can be confusing but getting to know how government-sponsored Original Medicare works is a great place is to start.


Learn more about Original Medicare

Part C - Medicare Advantage 

  • Medicare Advantage plans combine all of the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A and B.
  • Medicare Advantage plans usually include prescription drug coverage (Part D).
  • Many Medicare Advantage plans include extra benefits like dental, hearing and vision care.
  • Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans

Part D - Prescription Drug

  • Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage may be included with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).
  • You can also purchase a Part D prescription drug plan by itself, or in addition to a Medicare Supplement plan.
  • Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.

Learn more about Medicare Prescription Drug plans

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay for costs Original Medicare does not cover, like copays and coinsurance for the health care you receive.
  • Most Medicare Supplement plans allow you to choose any doctor, specialist or hospital that accepts Medicare.
  • Your benefits and costs will depend on the plan you choose. Medicare Supplement plans also may factor in your age, tobacco use and county of primary residence when you apply.

Learn more about Medicare Supplement plans

Why do people buy additional Medicare coverage?

People buy extra Medicare coverage to help pay costs or get additional benefits.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does NOT cover:

Prescription drugs

Dental exams, most dental care, or dentures

Routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contacts

Hearing aids or hearing-related exams or services

Most care while traveling outside the United States

Chiropractic* care, acupuncture** or other alternative treatments

Part A and Part B deductibles and copays

*Medicare Part B only covers chiropractic services if medically necessary to correct a subluxation.
**Medicare Part B only covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain.

Medicare Resources

Picking the right plan

Now that you know about the types of Medicare plans available, you can decide which plan best meets your needs.

Eligibility and enrollment

After you decide what type of Medicare plan works for you, find out when you will be eligible for coverage and how to enroll.

Our Medicare products

Ready to shop and enroll in a Medicare plan? We offer many choices for each Medicare plan type, so you can find the best solution for your health needs.

Call a licensed Medicare agent.

Shop for Medicare plans in your area.

System Error. Please Try again later submission failed

Have questions about Medicare?
Request a call from a licensed agent.

System Failure

something went wrong. please try again later

Thank you for submitting your information.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By providing the information above and clicking the Submit button, you consent to receive marketing and sales calls and emails, at the contact information you provide, from Florida Blue, its affiliates, and agents, including licensed insurance agents, related to health insurance or other plans and products, including calls made using automated technologies and regardless of whether the number is listed on a national or state Do Not Call registry, and without regard to state or federal limitations on the frequency of calls or messages. Your consent is not required as a condition of making a purchase.

Download a Medicare education guide.

Medicare Basics Guide

Florida Blue provides the information you need to choose the Medicare plan with health solutions that help meet your needs and budget. Due to recent change in legislation for the Inflation Reduction Act, the Medicare Part D coverage as described on page 8 has changed. Please click here for plan year 2024 information. 

Medicare Basics Guide

Medicare & You

U.S. government handbook on Medicare benefits, rights, and protections, available health plans, and more.

Medicare and You Guide

Medicare Planning Checklist

Florida Blue is with you all the way, providing a checklist with the steps you need to get started with Medicare as you approach age 65. 

Get Ready for Medicare

U.S. government handbook explaining important decisions you need to make before Medicare coverage starts.

FBM PLN 001 F 122022
Last Updated: 10.01.2023
Y0011_FBM1613_C