What should people know about Medicare and its parts?

Question

Bill Green · Accepted Answer

So, which people know about Medicare and its parts? Well, it's the alphabet soup of Medicare. Part A covers your hospitalization and stay in a skilled nursing facility. I like to relate it to your lumpy bed and your bad food. Part B is your doctors, labs, exams, tests, procedures, ambulance, emergency room, even medications when it comes to things like chemotherapy and IV infusions. Basically, any medicine that's not a medicine out of the pharmacy. But D is your drug plan. Something new with drug plans for this year is it may not have a $2,000 max in the pocket, which is great for those who have expensive medications. And then there's also what's called Part C of Medicare. Somehow A plus B plus D equals C. Thank you, government math. A C plan is a Medicare Advantage plan that combines your A, your B, and most of the time your D into an all-in-one plan. And then also, it's not one of the parts of Medicare, but you have Medicare gap or Medicare supplement plans that fill in the gaps of Medicare A and B. I hope that was helpful, and I look forward to welcoming you soon if we can help you out.

Gary Church · Answer

The question has come in: what should people know about Medicare? Medicare is broken up into two categories. Part A is for hospital services, and Part B is for medical services. This is what we're referred to as an 80/20 plan. Medicare covers up to 80% of the cost of your care, and you are responsible for 20% of your care for both A and B.

The problem with just regular Medicare is the cost you would have if you were admitted to the hospital. You can't see your doctor, and there are insurance deductibles. So, the best thing to do is to sit down with a licensed Medicare agent so they can review what your options are with Medicare itself.

This covers Part A for hospital services and Part B for medical services. Again, it's an 80/20 plan, and your responsibility is for 20% of whatever those medical bills are. So, it is highly recommended that you sit down with a licensed Medicare agent to review what your options are when it comes to selecting a plan. I hope that answers your question.

George Ibanez · Answer

Medicare part A (Hospital coverage) covers the initial hospital  stays, hospice stays and skill nursing facilities.
Medicare part B covers Doctors visits, preventive services, and Medical equipment
Medicare part C are the are the Medicare advantage plans. and Medicare part D are the drug plans.

Ann Sanfelippo · Answer

Medicare is made up of four parts, each covering different healthcare needs. Part A helps cover hospital stays and inpatient care, while Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care. Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines Parts A and B and often includes prescription drug coverage and extra benefits including dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Part D covers prescription drugs. Many people choose either Original Medicare with a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan to complete their coverage.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on January 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo Medicare Insurance Agent

Lauren Fodde · Answer

Great question — the most important thing to know is that Medicare is made up of different “parts,” and each one covers something different.
Understanding these parts helps you see what’s covered, what’s not, and whether you need anything additional.

Medicare Part A – Hospital Coverage

This helps cover:

Hospital stays

Skilled nursing facilities

Home health (in certain situations)

Hospice care

Most people get Part A with no premium because they paid Medicare taxes while working.

Medicare Part B – Medical Coverage

This helps cover:

Doctor visits

Outpatient care

Lab work and imaging

Preventive screenings

Durable medical equipment

Part B has a monthly premium, which Medicare sets each year.

Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans

These are plans offered by private insurance companies.
They must cover everything Parts A and B cover, but many plans add:

Dental

Vision

Hearing

Over-the-counter benefits

Gym memberships

Transportation

Part D drug coverage

You still stay in Medicare — you just receive your benefits through the insurance company instead of the federal program.

Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage

Helps cover the cost of medications, both generic and brand-name.
Plans vary by pharmacy networks and medication lists, so reviewing your prescriptions each year is important.

Medicare Supplements (Medigap)

Not a “part,” but good to know.
These plans help pay the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (A & B) doesn’t cover, such as:

Deductibles

Copays

Coinsurance

These do not include dental, vision, or hearing — they focus strictly on medical cost-sharing.

The biggest thing to remember:
Medicare isn’t one size fits all. Your doctors, prescriptions, and personal health needs all determine which setup fits you best. A good agent will walk you through the differences and help you choose a plan that works with your lifestyle.

Paul Potter · Answer

Most people are used to Health Insurance covering Hospitals, Doctors and Drugs.  Medicare, largely due to it's age and significant changes in medical healthcare technology breaks these items up into separate sections.  Original Medicare, known as Part A (Hospital, Skilled Nursing, Hospice) and Part B (doctors, diagnostics) was introduced in 1965.  Part D (drugs) was introduced in 2006, mostly due to our increasing use of drugs that were not as integral in 1965.  You can start each of these parts independently of each other.

Part C was introduced in 1999 and it combines all the coverage of Parts A,B and D.  Although sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Medicare Replacement", Part C requires participants to have (and keep) Parts A and B in place before getting Part C.

Michael Andrews · Answer

So my belief is that the most important thing regarding what to know about Medicare and its parts is really your enrollment windows. When you have to take a plan, when you have to take Part B, and when you don't have to take anything at all.

As far as the individual parts, Part A is the hospital coverage. It basically covers your room and board while you're in the hospital, or if you're in a skilled nursing facility. It also covers hospice as well as blood in the hospital.

Medicare Part B is known as your medical coverage. But what that really means is that it covers everything else outpatient. So those are all your doctor's visits, surgeries, blood work, EKGs, MRIs, anything that would be outpatient, including durable medical equipment.

Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage plans. Basically, you can get on a private plan and get your Medicare coverage that way. And then Part D is for prescriptions and drugs. Part D plans can be standalone, meaning that if you just stay with original Medicare and get a supplement, you're most likely gonna get a Part D plan.

However, if you decide to go on a Medicare Advantage plan, those plans typically have a prescription drug plan embedded into them already. So you do not have to choose a separate drug plan. I hope this helps.

Jake Purvis - CMIP · Answer

Medicare is made up of different parts, and each one covers something different.
Part A covers hospital care
Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services
Part D covers prescription drugs
Part C is Medicare Advantage; these plans combine coverage and often include extra benefits.
Medicare does not cover everything, which is why many people add additional coverage to help with out-of-pocket costs.

Joel Gregory Craven · Answer

As much as possible because not knowing your options can put you at a disadvantage so get with a knowledgeable agent for help and advice. Medicare part A you work for and pay into over the life of career. Which includes hospital care. While part B you for or get covered by state Medicaid to cover other medical services like dr visits and outpatient procedures. Part c is Medicare Advantage and part d is drug store drug coverage

Answered by Joel Gregory Craven on August 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in MS, AL, AZ & 5 other states

Answered by Joel Gregory Craven Medicare Insurance Agent

Brenda Trejos · Answer

In regards to Medicare, it comprises 2 parts and they happen to be called Part A and Part B.
Part A is for Hospital coverage. In other words, In-Patient care like hospitalization, skilled nursing & hospice care.  
Part B is for Medical coverages.  In other words, Part B is for Out-Patient care like office visits, ER and Urgent Care, Surgeons, labs and Ambulance services.
Most Americans have contributed enough through their employment so they have no monthly premium for Part A. Part B does pay a portion (about 20-25% of the total cost) which in 2025 is $185 per month.
Even though Medicare is good medical coverage, it is still advisable that everyone complete their coverage through a Supplement/Medigap Plan or through an Advantage Plan.  Talk with an Agent/Broker to guide you through your options.

Pamela Camey · Answer

Medicare has four parts (A, B, C, D). 
•	Part A is your Hospital Insurance

•	Part B is your Doctor and Outpatient visits.   

•	Part C, Advantage Plans combines your Original Medicare Part A, Part B and usually includes Prescription Drug coverage into Federal plan.  These plans offered through private insurance companies that are contracted with the government.  Advantage plans often add benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness.

•	Part D is prescription drug coverage.  They are either Stand-alone plans or included in Medicare Advantage plans, providing drug coverage. These plans help pay for prescription medications.

Jorge Magana · Answer

Most of the people don't know how medicare works. It is important for me as an agent to explain what part A is and what part B is I always give an introduction in my appointments on how Medicare works.

Answered by Jorge Magana on November 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & AZ

Answered by Jorge Magana Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Sandlin · Answer

Essentially, Original Medicare has two parts: Part A and Part B. 

The easiest way to think about Part A is that this typically pertains to expenses associated to being an inpatient in the hospital. In other words, you have a room and I can send you flowers. It also deals with things like home health care, hospice, etc., but for simplification purposes think about it tying to an inpatient hospital stay. In most cases, Part A is premium free for individuals. 

On the other hand, Part B is pretty much everything else on an outpatient basis. Think about going to see your doctors, having outpatient testing, an outpatient surgery or even outpatient chemotherapy. One of the biggest things to understand associated to Medicare Part B is that you are responsible for 20% of all costs that fall under this side of Medicare with no limit or "cap" on how much you can owe. Also, Part B has a monthly cost that is set to be $202.90 for 2026 for the average American.

We can certainly get much more in-depth but this is a good starting point for conversation.

JP Richardson · Answer

Medicare does not do a very good job of communicating beneficiaries responsibilities in regards to their requirements for enrollment. It is important to talk with someone who is knowledgeable about the process and what the pitfalls could be if you do not enroll when Medicare says you need to.

Answered by JP Richardson on August 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CO & 10 other states

Answered by JP Richardson Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregory Firmbach · Answer

I believe they write books on this subject but here is my concise response in the space allotted. 
Parts A&B are referred to as… Fee For Service Medicare, Original Medicare. They were created in 1965. You may receive care from any doctor and any hospital who will accept being paid by Medicare at the Medicare Approved Amounts.
Part A. Hospital Coverage: Generally earned by paying FICA (employment taxes) for 40 qualifying quarters (like Social Security). What is important to understand is that Part A is “in-patient hospital coverage”, End of life care and some home health and skilled nursing coverage… That’s it! 
Note: We have paid for Part A… IT IS NOT AN ENTITLEMENT. 
Part B Medical Coverage: Generally all those other “medical” treatment options not covered in Part A above… Doctors, tests, x-rays, therapy, Dr injected part B medications, etc. Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare Approved Amount (over 13,000 procedures) and the beneficiary is responsible for the 20% Medicare doesn’t pay, including any Excess Charge billed (contact the author for further explanation). Medicare Supplement Plans (aka MediGap Plans) are 10 Medicare designed indemnity plan supplements that pay all or some of what Original Medicare doesn’t pay. Your HealthPlan is Medicare, The Supplement only pays after Medicare pays. MediGap Plans are offered by private companies and the rates are filed in each state. 
Part C. Medicare Health Plans also known as Medicare Advantage (MA, MAPD, Cost & PFSS Plans). In 1996 congress created Part C. In essence, they operate similar to Employer Plans we are familiar with. Most are either HMO or PPO by design… i.e. Managed Care. Private companies are Certified and paid by Medicare to take care of beneficiaries who enroll in their plans. 
Part D Prescription Drug: in 2005 Congress created Part D The Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. Private companies offer Rx coverage under Medicare guidelines.

Evan Hountz · Answer

People should know that Medicare is very different for everyone. It is not a one size fits all. There are a couple moving parts depending on how you look at the coverage but it all makes sense when someone competent explains the differences.

Answered by Evan Hountz on January 21, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, IN, KY & TX

Answered by Evan Hountz Medicare Insurance Agent

Sam Duffield · Answer

Part A is for inpatient coverage. Part B is for outpatient coverage. Part D is for prescription drug coverage. Most people that stay on original Medicare (Parts A and B) also get a Medicare supplement. The private alternative to Original Medicare is Medicare Advantage, which is also referred to as Part C.

Answered by Sam Duffield on January 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in AL, CO, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Sam Duffield Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Cason · Answer

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and some younger individuals with disabilities or specific conditions, such as End-Stage Renal Disease.

There are four parts:

✅ Part A (80%) – Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice (usually free if you've worked 10+ years and paid Medicare taxes).

✅ Part B (80%) – Covers doctor visits, specialists, outpatient care, and preventive services (comes with a monthly premium, which is paid to Medicare).

✅ Part C (Medicare Advantage) – A private plan that combines Parts A and B, often includes prescription drug coverage (Part D), and extras such as dental, vision, hearing, grocery, and over-the-counter product allowances.

✅ Part D – Covers prescription drugs (available as a standalone plan or included in Part C).

You have two options if you want more coverage than the 80% provided under Medicare Parts A and B.

1. Buy a Medicare Supplement "Medigap" insurance plan with your A and B, which helps pay the deductibles and 20% coinsurance. Also, enroll in a standalone Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.

2. Enroll in a Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan.

Choosing the right coverage depends on your budget, health needs, and doctor preferences.

Our office can help you compare your options to find the best fit for your needs, and our service is free, as the insurance company compensates us.

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Understanding Original Medicare Part A and Part B which was instituted in 1965, generally covers 80% for Medicare approved Hospital costs and Medicare approved Medical Expenses.

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

The first thing that’s important to know about Medicare is that it does not work like your group insurance or individual insurance through the affordable care act. Original Medicare does not have a maximum out-of-pocket, which is why it’s important to have Medicare supplement coverage to go with Original Medicare. Other options, like Medicare Advantage plans, usually do have a maximum out-of-pocket provision. It is very important to learn about Medicare and not make assumptions based on coverage that you’ve had in the past. It is also important to look at the options for yourself and not blindly follow the advice of your neighbor or friend, based on their experience. Your experience with Medicare will be different than theirs and your needs are different as well.

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on August 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Watkins · Answer

What does Medicare cover and not cover? To answer this question, we need to take a look at the two different parts of Medicare. Medicare has part A, which is your hospital coverage, and part B, which is your medical coverage. Part A, typically, people do not pay a premium for part A unless you did not work for at least 40 quarters within your lifetime. But part A is gonna cover your inpatient hospital care, some skilled nursing care, and hospice care. There is a deductible of $1,676 every time you go in the hospital. And if you're there more than 60 days, there's a co-pay of $419 per day. From date 91 to 150, it goes up to $838 per day. And then after that, you'll be paying for everything as it is not covered. For skilled nursing facility care, Medicare will cover you for the first 20 days, and then after that, $209.50 per day up to day 100. And then after day 100, you're not covered. So everything will be out of pocket. Your part B covers your doctor services, your outpatient services, including surgery and some other services and supplies that are not covered by part A. There is a premium for your part B. Most people will pay $185 per month, but it does go up based on your income. Part B has an annual deductible of $257. And then after that, 20% is what your co-insurance would be. So there are two different types of plans that you can get: Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage to cover the things that Medicare does not cover.

Rob Campbell · Answer

You should meet in person with a licensed and certified Medicare representative who can explain how Medicare works. They should explain to you all of the parts of Medicare, what they cover and what they don't.

Answered by Rob Campbell on August 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AZ, CT & 11 other states

Answered by Rob Campbell Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Ford · Answer

Medicare is a federally operated program. There are two parts to medicare Part A & Part B, but there othe parts that can also affect your coverage. If you would like to discuss this further, you can contact me. Thank you!

Answered by Joseph Ford on December 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Joseph Ford Medicare Insurance Agent

Elijah Pannell · Answer

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. It is divided into several distinct parts, each covering different aspects of healthcare:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance):
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance):
Provides coverage for outpatient care, doctor’s services, preventive services, and some home health care.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage):
Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, Part C combines Parts A and B and often includes additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and wellness programs.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage):
Provides coverage for prescription medications and is available through private insurers.

Understanding these parts helps beneficiaries make informed decisions regarding coverage options and out-of-pocket costs. For comprehensive details about member rights and responsibilities, you may wish to consult the Member Rights documentation.

Kandance Magee · Answer

Part A covers Hospital services, Part B covers medical care (doctor visits and outpatient services), Part C is Medicare Advantage (includes A, B, and D), and Part D is prescription drug coverage.

David Ghiorso · Answer

Medicare is a federal health insurance program mainly for people 65+ (and some under 65 with disabilities), and it’s organized into “parts” that each cover different types of care: hospital (A), medical (B), private plans that bundle A/B and often extras (C), and drug coverage (D).

Big picture: Original vs Advantage
Original Medicare is Part A + Part B, run by the federal government, and you can add optional Part D and/or a Medigap supplement on top.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative run by private insurers that must cover at least what A and B cover and often wraps in Part D plus extras like dental or vision in one plan.

Core Medicare parts
Medicare piece	What it is	What it mainly covers
Part A	“Hospital” insurance 
Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay, hospice, some home health 
Part B	“Medical” insurance 
Doctor visits, outpatient care, tests, durable medical equipment, many preventive services 
Part C	Medicare Advantage 
Combines A and B, usually adds extra benefits, often includes Part D in one plan 
Part D	Prescription drug coverage 
Outpatient prescription drugs via private plans; formularies, tiers, and costs vary by plan 
Medigap	Supplement to Original Medicare 
Helps pay A and B’s deductibles, copays, coinsurance; standardized plans like G, N in most states 
Key things people should know
Eligibility and timing: Most people qualify at 65; you generally enroll in Parts A and B through Social Security and must have both A and B before joining a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.

Costs: Each part can have its own premiums, deductibles, and copays; Part A is often premium-free, but Part B, C, and D usually have monthly premiums that can vary by income and plan.

Coverage gaps: Original Medicare has no cap on annual out-of-pocket costs and does not include routine dental, vision, or hearing, which is why many people add Medigap and/or Part D or choose Medicare Advantage instead.

Vonda Peralez · Answer

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+, certain disabilities, and specific conditions. It has four parts: Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescriptions). Original Medicare includes A and B, while Advantage plans often bundle extra benefits. Understanding these parts helps you choose coverage and avoid unexpected costs. 

It can be confusing, so I would advise you speak to someone like me, an independent agent, to help you navigate the options and help you with your choices.

Marisol Adamo · Answer

People should know that Medicare isn’t just one program — it’s made up of different parts, and each part covers something specific. Original Medicare includes Part A, which helps with hospital care, and Part B, which covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care. Then there’s Part D for prescription drugs, which is separate and offered through private insurance companies.

You also have the option to choose a Medicare Advantage plan, known as Part C. Those plans bundle your hospital, medical, and usually your drug coverage into one plan, and many include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, or gym memberships.

The biggest thing I tell people is this: Medicare gives you options, and understanding the parts helps you choose what fits your health needs and your budget.

Jack Mayer · Answer

4 parts to Medicare. A =when you are admitted into a hospital. Part B = All your medical and doctors. Part C = combines A, B and C and Part C is called Medicare Advantage Plans. Part D is your prescriptions.

Answered by Jack Mayer on January 19, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA & NV

Answered by Jack Mayer Medicare Insurance Agent

Adam Ernst · Answer

So many aspects of Medicare. Here are some basics, but it is best to contact a local agent with a trusted company: 
Part A: hospital coverage, $0 premium (paid by taxes) with different deductibles
Part B: doctor/specialist coverage: $202.90/month premium taken out of SS, $283 deductible, then becomes an 80/20 plan
Part C: private Medicare/Medicare Advantage, $0 premium for many plans, combined with dental/vision/hearing and a prescription plan, offered by all private carriers (Humana, BCBS, Wellcare, Aetna, etc. )
Part D: prescription drug coverage if you are on Parts A/B that you set up once you have a Medicare #, premium comes out of your SS
The rest of the parts are different types of supplements/Medigap that is offered in each state.
The rest of the information will be best to contact a local agent about.

Charles Borg · Answer

As much as possible. This will be your final health insurance plan for the rest of your life, so the more informed you are, the better.

John Messler · Answer

It all starts with Medicare an and B. Medicare a is the hospital coverage and Medicare B is all your other medical cost. After that is when we hIt all starts with Medicare an and B. Medicare a is the hospital coverage and Medicare B is all your other medical cost. After that is when we have the option to go with a Medigap and traditional Medicare or a manage care plan also known as a part C plan. If you stay with original Medicare and select the Medigap plan, you also need to purchase a part D or prescription drug plan. If you choose a part C or Medicare advantage plan the party benefits are included in that plan.

Answered by John Messler on October 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH, ME, NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by John Messler Medicare Insurance Agent

James Wareheim · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/what-should-people-know-about-medicare-and-its-parts#james-wareheim

Roberto Alonso · Answer

Original Medicare is made up of two parts. They are Part A(Hospital), and Part B (doctors). 

Other parts of Medicare include Part C( Medicare Advantage) and Part D( Prescription Drug Plans).

Matthew Moreno · Answer

When it comes to traditional medicare theirs a lot of gaps with it. Notably medicare part a has a deductible of of 1676 for the year and it's known as hospital insurance. When you start to go past a certain amount of days in the hospital or receiving care you start to have to pay a list of copays and coinsurances. medicare part b is known as medical. deductible is 257 yearly. Usual costs for services are 20% after the deductible

We start to notice a gap of 20% and additional copays so what we do is we pair a medi-gap plan. Also known as a medicare supplement plan. These plans fill in the gaps that medicare has.

Jessica Ellis · Answer

Medicare is health insurance from the federal government, mainly for people 65 and older, or for those with certain disabilities. It’s made up of different parts that cover different types of care.

Part A helps with hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice. Most people don’t have to pay a premium for this. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services like screenings and vaccines. There is a monthly premium for Part B.

Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a plan offered by private insurance companies. It includes everything in Parts A and B, and often adds extra benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drug coverage.

Part D is prescription drug coverage. You can get it on its own if you have Original Medicare, or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

Some people also choose to add a Medigap plan, which helps pay for costs that Medicare doesn’t fully cover, like copays and deductibles.

Choosing the right coverage depends on your health needs and budget.

Martha Lopez-Elkind · Answer

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65+ and certain younger individuals with disabilities. It has 4 parts:

Part A: Hospital Coverage

Part B: Outpatient and doctor services

Part C: Medicare Advantage (private plans combining A & B, often with extras)

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Enrollment timing matters, and supplemental plans (Medigap) can help cover out of pocket costs.

Lesley Paul · Answer

Clients new to Medicare often do not understand the labels attached to the parts of the system. They need to understand Original Medicare includes Parts A and B and how they receive that. The other parts of Medicare can appear confusing but as basically, Part A which is hospital, Part B which is the providers, Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is a bit confusing because it includes Part D which is Prescription coverage, as well as Parts A and B.

Answered by Lesley Paul on December 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Lesley Paul Medicare Insurance Agent

Brittany Morris · Answer

Original Medicare has two parts part a is hospitalization. This covers you when you are inpatient part B is your medical coverage. This covers you when you are outpatient. These are the only two parts of Medicare that fall under original Medicare original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, vision, dental, and hearing.

Answered by Brittany Morris on December 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in LA

Answered by Brittany Morris Medicare Insurance Agent

Pedro Rodriguez · Answer

Medicare is the federal health insurance program mainly for people age 65 and older, and for certain younger people with disabilities or specific medical conditions. It’s made up of four parts, each covering different types of care:
	1.	Part A – Hospital Insurance
	•	Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
	•	Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they (or their spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough.
	2.	Part B – Medical Insurance
	•	Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies.
	•	You pay a monthly premium for Part B, and there’s usually a deductible and coinsurance.
	3.	Part C – Medicare Advantage
	•	These are private plans (approved by Medicare) that bundle Part A and Part B coverage, often including prescription drugs (Part D), vision, dental, and hearing benefits.
	•	You must have both Part A and Part B to enroll in a Part C plan.
	4.	Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
	•	Helps cover the cost of prescription medications.
	•	Offered through private insurers approved by Medicare; you pay a monthly premium.

⸻

Other important points:
	•	You can get coverage directly through Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or through a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) — but not both at the same time.
	•	Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) is optional insurance that helps pay costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover (like copayments and deductibles).
	•	There are specific enrollment periods each year when you can sign up or make changes.
	•	Medicare doesn’t usually cover long-term care, routine dental, vision, or hearing aids, unless you have a plan that includes them.

⸻

Christine Vassar · Answer

The more you know, the better informed your choices can be.  At a minimum, understand how each of the parts relates to your financial and healthcare needs.

Jonathan Hardy · Answer

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65+ and certain younger individuals with disabilities. It has 4 parts:

Part A: Hospital Coverage
Part B: Outpatient and doctor services
Part C: Medicare Advantage (private plans combining A & B, often with extras)
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Enrollment timing matters, and supplemental plans (Medigap) can help cover out of pocket costs.

Mueser (Sara) Kocareli · Answer

Original Medicare is made up for Part A- Hopsital, Part B- Medical, Part- D medications, and usually most people add on a medigap plan to cover all the gaps that Part A and B don’t cover.

What should people know about Medicare and its parts?

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