Original Medicare

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Medicare Part A benefits help cover the cost of hospital or skilled nursing facility stays. Everyone who qualifies for Medicare is covered by Part A, and it is required to join Medicare Advantage plans or to purchase Medigap plans. 

The program covers people who are 65 or older, have certain medical conditions, or are on social security disability. 

Part B: Medical Insurance

Medicare Part B benefits cover two types of medical services — preventive services needed to keep potentially severe diseases from advancing and medically necessary services needed to treat a disease or condition. Durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or walkers, are also covered under Part B.

Part B generally costs an additional premium per month. Those who qualify for Medicaid benefits may have their Part B premium partially or fully covered.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C plans are also known as Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are required to cover services offered by Original Medicare, and many extend benefits to services not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing. 

These plans offer networks of doctors, hospitals, and other service providers locally and nationally.

Medicare Advantage plans often offer low to no cost premium options, and can include Part D Prescription Drug benefits all-in-one. 

Part D: Prescription Drugs

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. Part D plans reduce the price of medications prescribed by your doctor that you would then pick up at your local pharmacy.

To obtain coverage, beneficiaries can enroll in a stand-alone prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan that combines both medical and prescription benefits.