What kind of coverage do I get with Medicare Parts C and D and Medigap?

Page last updated on: 5/30/25

Lesson 2

Medicare part C is called "Medicare Advantage" and gives you additional coverage. Part D gives you prescription drug coverage.

Video transcript

Medicare Part C = Medicare Advantage plans

  • Once you have Parts A and B, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan
  • When Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage, they're called MAPD plans
  • MAPD plans are usually the lowest-cost way to get Parts A, B and D together
  • You'll continue to pay your Part B premium to the federal government
  • Usually, you'll pay an additional monthly premium to your private insurance company, too
  • Medicare Advantage plans may also include extras like dental and vision coverage
  • You won't be denied due to a pre-existing condition

Explore Medicare Part C in detail.

Medicare Part D = Prescription drug coverage

  • You'll pay a monthly premium for a Part D plan unless it's included in your Medicare Advantage plan
  • Each insurance company decides on a list of what drugs its Part D plan will cover (a "formulary")
  • The federal government decides on some drugs that Medicare will never pay for

Explore Medicare Part D in detail.

Medigap plans = Supplemental insurance

  • These plans cover costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover
  • There are 10 standard Medigap plans (A through N), but not all companies offer all of them
  • Plan A covers the least, Plan F covers the most if you are eligible before 1/1/20, and Plan G covers the most if you are eligible after 1/1/20
  • You'll pay a monthly premium for a Medigap plan
  • Medigap plans don't cover prescriptions
  • You can't enroll in a Medigap plan if you have a Medicare Advantage plan
  • During your guaranteed issue period, you won't be denied due to a pre-existing condition

Explore Medigap plans in detail.


Test yourself

Ready to move on to lesson 3?

Next lesson

Y0056_400040062506_M_2025_C