Part A: Hospital Insurance

• Part A helps cover the costs if you need to stay in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice care, or sometimes even receive home health care.

• Most people don’t have to pay a premium for Part A if they (or their spouse) paid Medicare taxes while working.

Think of Part A as helping with "room and board" when you're admitted for care.

Part B: Medical Insurance

• Part B helps pay for your everyday medical needs, like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services (like flu shots or screenings), and some home health services.

• You do have to pay a monthly premium for Part B, and most people enroll in it when they first become eligible to avoid late penalties.

Think of Part B as helping with "day-to-day" healthcare outside of a hospital stay.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

• Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits.

• These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

• They cover everything Parts A and B do — and many plans include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, and sometimes even prescription drug coverage.

• To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you must already be enrolled in Parts A and B.

Think of Part C as an "all-in-one" plan that may offer extra perks.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

• Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications

• These plans are offered by private insurance companies and are available either as a standalone plan (if you have Original Medicare) or built into many Medicare Advantage plans.

• You'll pay a monthly premium for Part D coverage, and choosing the right plan can help you save money on the medications you need.

Think of Part D as helping you afford your prescriptions.