The Four Parts of Medicare

What are the four parts of Medicare?

Medicare Parts explained (Parts A, B, C, D)

It is important to understand the parts of Medicare to help choose the best plan option to meet your health and financial needs. Each part covers different things like hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and extra benefits. When you understand what each part covers and how they work together, you can compare plan options and find the one that’s right for you.

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A covers hospital and inpatient care. It includes services such as inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care following a hospital stay, hospice care, and some home health care services. Part A is premium-free for most people if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers medical services and supplies necessary to diagnose or treat a medical condition. This includes services like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, lab tests, and home health care services. Part B typically requires a monthly premium that varies based on income. 

Medicare Part C

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is a type of Medicare plan offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. It combines coverage for hospital services (Part A), medical services (Part B), and sometimes prescription drug coverage (Part D) into a single plan. Part C often includes extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is the prescription drug coverage part of Medicare. It helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Which drugs are covered, deductibles, copays, and premiums vary based on the plan.