What are the different parts of Medicare?
Original Medicare: Parts A and B
Original Medicare consists of Parts A and B. These are sponsored by the federal government. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays and inpatient care like skilled nursing facilities. Medicare Part B covers visits to your doctor, preventive health screenings, durable medical equipment and more. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover all of your medical expenses. Because of this, other Medicare plans exist to help provide additional coverage.
Medicare Advantage: Part C
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are an all-in-one plan offered by private health insurance companies. Medicare Advantage health plans include the same coverage as Original Medicare, plus extras like vision, hearing and dental care. Some Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Prescription Drug: Part D
Medicare Part D, or prescription drug coverage, plans are also offered by private insurance health companies. They offer coverage for your prescription drug including medications prescribed by your doctor and some vaccines.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement plans, often called Medigap, help pay some out of pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Supplement plans are private insurance plans. Most people who choose a Medicare Supplement policy also choose a Medicare Part D plan, too.