Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C & Part D Explained in Plain English

Medicare Parts A, B, C and D Explained | JRF Services - Medicare

Confused by Medicare Parts A, B, C and D? Here's a simple FAQ explaining hospital, medical, Medicare Advantage and prescription coverage.

Medicare terminology can sound like a different language.

Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D.

What does it all mean? Here's the simple version.

MEDICARE EXPLAINED

What is Medicare Part A?

Part A = Hospital Insurance.

It generally helps cover eligible inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and certain home health services.

What is Medicare Part B?

Part B = Medical Insurance.

It generally covers medically necessary outpatient services, physician services, preventive care and certain medical equipment.

What is Medicare Part C?

Part C = Medicare Advantage.

It's an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through a Medicare-approved private insurance company.

What is Medicare Part D?

Part D = Prescription Drug Coverage.

Part D helps cover eligible outpatient prescription medications.

Is Part C the same thing as a supplement?

No. This is one of the most common Medicare misunderstandings.

Medicare Advantage = Part C

Medicare Supplement = Medigap

They work differently.

Does Original Medicare include prescription coverage?

Original Medicare Parts A and B generally don't provide standard outpatient prescription drug coverage.

That's where Part D may come in.

Do I need Part D?

If you don't have other creditable prescription drug coverage, enrolling when first eligible may be important because delaying Part D can potentially result in a late enrollment penalty.

Does Medicare cover everything?

No. Original Medicare does not cover every healthcare service or expense. For example, routine dental care, routine eye exams and long-term care generally aren't covered in the same way people often expect.

What's the easiest way to remember the four parts?

Think:

A = Admission/Hospital

B = Basic medical/outpatient care

C = Choice/alternative Medicare Advantage

D = Drugs

Medicare Questions? JRF Services Can Help

Medicare can be complicated, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

JRF Services provides Medicare education and enrollment assistance and works with multiple insurance carriers to help consumers compare available Medicare plan options.

As an independent insurance professional, James Rochelle of JRF Services has Life & Health License, AHIP Certification, CMS Certification, FFM Registration, E&O Insurance and AML Certification among his professional credentials.

Whether you're turning 65, retiring, reviewing your current Medicare coverage or simply trying to understand your options, getting educated before you enroll can make the process easier.

Have Medicare questions? Start by reviewing your options, your doctors, your prescriptions and your budget.

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Important: Medicare plan availability, premiums, benefits, provider networks, formularies and enrollment rules vary by location and individual circumstances and may change from year to year. This website and blog provide general educational information and are not a substitute for Medicare.gov, Social Security, or individualized insurance advice. For official Medicare information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).