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Medicare explained

Learn the Medicare basics

Medicare is health insurance. When you reach age 65, or under some other circumstances, you qualify for Medicare. You can get some parts of Medicare through the federal government and others through private insurance companies.

If you already know what Parts A, B and D are, click "next" to learn about your options.

Part A

  • Covers inpatient care in hospitals, including skilled nursing facilities and hospice
  • Most likely, Part A will cost you nothing because you paid the federal government for it through your payroll taxes
Part B
  • Covers the costs of going to the doctor and other outpatient care
  • Part B is optional, so if you want it you'll need to pay the federal government a monthly premium for it
Part D
  • Helps cover prescription drug costs
  • This coverage is optional, so if you want it you'll need to buy it from a private insurance company
Part C
  • Plans include your Part A and Part B coverage, and most include Part D drug coverage.
  • Some include extra benefits, such as hearing or vision services.
  • Offered by private insurance companies
Medigap
  • Not a "part" of Medicare, these plans are optional supplements to Original Medicare that you may add on - available from private insurance companies.
  • Plans help cover the costs Medicare doesn't
  • Plans A-N are standardized - every company's Plan F coverage is the same
  • Not compatible with Medicare Advantage plans. You may choose one or the other, but not both.

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