Medicare 101

The four parts of Medicare, explained simply

Medicare can feel like alphabet soup. Here's what each part actually covers — in plain English.

Part A

Hospital Insurance

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part B

Medical Insurance

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium and an annual deductible.

Part C

Medicare Advantage

An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Bundles Part A and B and often adds drug, dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

Part D

Prescription Drug Coverage

Helps pay for prescription medications. Offered as a standalone plan or built into many Medicare Advantage plans.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Most people choose one of two paths. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) often paired with a Medicare Supplement and a standalone Part D plan, or Medicare Advantage (Part C) which bundles your coverage into a single private plan. There's no one "best" choice — the right fit depends on your doctors, medications, budget, and how you like to receive care. That's exactly what we help you sort out.

Talk to a licensed Medicare advisor — at no cost to you

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