What to know

  • Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B.
  • Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage.
  • Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private plans.

Parts A and B

Part A is hospital insurance and helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and certain home health services. Part B is medical insurance and helps cover doctors, outpatient care, preventive services and certain medical equipment.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved private plan alternative for receiving Part A and Part B benefits. Most plans include Part D, and plans may use provider networks or prior authorization for certain services.

Part D and Medigap

Part D helps cover prescription drugs. With Original Medicare, it is commonly added as a separate plan. Medigap is not a Medicare part; it is supplemental insurance designed to help with certain Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs.