Part A: Hospital Insurance
Premium-free for most people and helps cover:
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Including rehabilitation hospital and psychiatric hospital care
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospice
- Home Health Care (in some cases)
Part B: Medical Insurance
The standard Part B premium is $148.50 (or higher depending on your income) and helps cover:
- Most medically necessary doctors' services
- Preventive Physician care
- Outpatient hospital care and surgery, home health care, durable medical equipment
- Mental Health Care
- Part B coverage is optional, though you may be charged a penalty fee if you are
without coverage and later want to enroll in Part B
Part C: Also Known as "Medicare Advantage"
Medicare Advantage is another way to get your Medicare benefits:
- Combines Part A, Part B and often Part D
- Run by private approved insurers
- Benefits through Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare
(parts A and B)
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D helps cover prescription drug costs:
- Run by private approved insurers
- May help lower prescription drug costs
- Part D coverage is optional, though you may be charged a penalty fee if
you are without prescription drug coverage and later want to enroll in a Part D plan.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap plans are supplemental insurance plans sold by private insurance companies to fill "gaps" in Original Medicare coverage. You can choose from a range of standardized plans, each offering different coverage. These plans are designed to "supplement" your original Medicare plan and can help pay Part A and B co-payments, Part A and B Coinsurance and Part A and B deductibles.