Medicare Made Easier

What Are the 4 Parts of Medicare?

Medicare is divided into four parts. Each part helps cover a different type of healthcare service. Here is a simple way to understand what Parts A, B, C, and D do.

Explore the 4 Parts Get Personal Help
Your Medicare Overview A • B • C • D
AHospital Insurance
BMedical Insurance
CMedicare Advantage
DPrescription Drugs
The Medicare Alphabet

Each part has a different job

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Part C is an alternative way to receive those benefits, and Part D helps cover prescription medications.

A

Medicare Part A

Hospital Insurance
  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay
  • Hospice care
  • Some home health services
Remember: Part A is mainly for care received while admitted to a hospital or qualifying facility.
B

Medicare Part B

Medical Insurance
  • Doctor visits and outpatient services
  • Preventive screenings and many vaccines
  • Lab work, imaging, and certain therapies
  • Durable medical equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs
Remember: Part B is generally the part used for doctors, outpatient care, and medical services.
C

Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage
  • Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare
  • Provides your Part A and Part B benefits through the plan
  • Often includes prescription drug coverage
  • May include dental, vision, hearing, fitness, or other extra benefits
Important: You must remain enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to join and stay in most Medicare Advantage plans.
D

Medicare Part D

Prescription Drug Coverage
  • Helps pay for covered prescription medications
  • Available as a stand-alone drug plan
  • Often included with Medicare Advantage plans
  • Each plan has its own formulary, pharmacy network, and cost-sharing
Remember: Compare your prescriptions each year because plan formularies and costs can change.
How the pieces fit together

Two common ways to receive Medicare coverage

Most people choose between Original Medicare with optional additional coverage, or a Medicare Advantage plan offered by a private insurer.

1

Original Medicare

Use Part A and Part B directly. Many beneficiaries also consider a separate Part D prescription drug plan and a Medicare Supplement policy to help with certain out-of-pocket costs.

2

Medicare Advantage

Receive Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan. Most plans include Part D drug coverage and may offer additional benefits.

3

Choose based on your needs

Consider doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, travel needs, monthly premiums, copays, coinsurance, and the plan’s annual maximum out-of-pocket limit.

Choose your Medicare pathway

After Parts A and B, choose one of two paths

Both options begin with Medicare Parts A and B. The difference is how you receive your coverage and how you manage the costs Medicare does not fully pay.

Start with Medicare Parts A & B Then choose the coverage path that best fits your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and travel needs.
Option 1

Medicare Supplement

+ a Separate Stand-Alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Your coverage includes

  • Original Medicare Part A for hospital coverage
  • Original Medicare Part B for medical coverage
  • A Medicare Supplement policy to help with eligible out-of-pocket costs
  • A separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for prescription coverage
Important: Medicare Supplement does not include prescription drug coverage.

Most people who choose a Medicare Supplement also need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. Without other creditable drug coverage, delaying Part D may leave you paying the full cost of prescriptions and could result in a late-enrollment penalty.

Often chosen for

  • Broad access to doctors who accept Medicare
  • Predictable medical expenses
  • Coverage that works well for frequent travelers
  • Less dependence on a local provider network
Broad Provider Access
More Predictable Costs
Learn About Medicare Supplements
Option 2

Medicare Advantage

Usually Includes Prescription Drug Coverage

Your plan generally includes

  • Your Medicare Part A hospital benefits
  • Your Medicare Part B medical benefits
  • Part D prescription drug coverage in most plans
  • Possible extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, or over-the-counter allowances

Often chosen for

  • Lower monthly plan premiums
  • All-in-one plan convenience
  • Extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare
  • An annual maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered Part A and Part B services
All-in-One Coverage
Extra Plan Benefits
Learn About Medicare Advantage
Important: Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage are different paths. You generally do not use a Medicare Supplement policy to pay Medicare Advantage plan copays or deductibles.

Not sure which Medicare option fits you?

A licensed insurance agent can help you compare your choices, review your prescriptions, and understand costs and benefits before you enroll.

Get clear, personal Medicare guidance Contact Accurate Health Plans