Types of Medicare plans

Medicare started with two parts — Part A and Part B, also known as Original Medicare.

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’ll pay a deductible, copays, and coinsurance for your hospital and skilled nursing facility services, 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 pay a monthly Part B premium.

For most services, you pay a yearly deductible and coinsurance, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan to cover those costs. Medicare can be confusing but getting to know how government-sponsored Original Medicare works is a great place is to start. 

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.

How to get prescription drug coverage
Medicare drug coverage helps pay for prescription drugs you need. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare. Even if you don’t take prescription drugs now, consider getting Medicare drug coverage. If you decide not to get it when you’re first eligible, and you don’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage (like drug coverage from an employer or union) or get Extra Help, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty if you join a plan later. Generally, you’ll pay this penalty for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare-approved plan that offers drug coverage. Each plan can vary in cost and specific drugs covered. 
 

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