The four parts of Medicare
Part A | Hospital insurance
Medicare Part A is part of Original Medicare and helps cover the costs of hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, some nursing home care, hospice and home health care services. It doesn't include prescription drug coverage, long-term care or routine dental and vision care.
What will I pay?
Medicare Part A has an annual deductible.
When do I enroll?
You're automatically enrolled at age 65 if you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. If not, you need to enroll during your initial enrollment period.
Explore Medicare Part A in detail.
Part B | Medical insurance
Medicare Part B is part of Original Medicare and helps cover the costs of doctor visits, tests and other routine health care services. It doesn't include prescription drug coverage.
What will I pay?
Medicare Part B has a monthly premium and an annual deductible.
When do I enroll?
You're automatically enrolled at age 65 if you receive Social Security or RRB benefits. If not, you need to enroll during your initial enrollment period.
Explore Medicare Part B in detail.
Part C | Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurers, provide your health insurance coverage for both Part A and Part B. These plans may also include additional benefits and prescription drug coverage (Part D). You must be enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible.
What will I pay?
A monthly premium, and you must continue to pay your Part B premium.
When do I enroll?
You can enroll at age 65 during your initial enrollment period. If you're already enrolled, you can switch plans during the annual election period (AEP), which runs from October 15 - December 7.
Explore Medicare Advantage (Part C) in detail.
Part D | Prescription drug coverage
Medicare Part D, offered by private insurers, helps cover prescription drug costs. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and/or Part B to be eligible.
What will I pay?
A monthly premium, and you must continue to pay your Part B premium (if enrolled).
When do I enroll?
You can enroll at age 65 during your initial enrollment period. If you're already enrolled, you can change plans during the annual election period, which runs from October 15 - December 7.
Explore Medicare Part D in detail.
Medigap | Medicare Supplement
Medigap is a plan offered by a private insurer that helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B to be eligible.
What will I pay?
A monthly premium, and you must continue to pay your Part B premium.
When do I enroll?
You can enroll at age 65 during your initial enrollment period.