Medicare Basics: What Parts A, B, C, and D Mean

Medicare has four parts that cover different types of care. Here's a plain-English explanation of Parts A, B, C, and D so you know what's covered and what's not.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Part A — Hospital Insurance
2.Part B — Medical Insurance
3.Part C — Medicare Advantage
4.Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
5.What Medicare does NOT cover

Part A — Hospital Insurance

~25s

Part A covers: inpatient hospital care (if you're admitted), skilled nursing facility care (after a qualifying hospital stay), hospice care, and some home health care. Cost: Most people pay $0 premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 or more years. There is a deductible for each hospital stay. You should enroll in Part A when you turn 65, even if you're still working — it's usually free.

Part B — Medical Insurance

~30s

Part B covers: doctor visits, outpatient procedures, preventive care (annual wellness visit, screenings, vaccines), lab tests, medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers), and mental health services. Cost: Most people pay $174.70/month (2024) as a premium. There's also a $240 annual deductible and 20% coinsurance after that. Part B is optional but most people need it. If you have employer insurance, you may be able to delay enrollment without penalty.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Parts A + B together are called "Original Medicare." They cover a lot but leave out prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing.

Part C — Medicare Advantage

~24s

Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Original Medicare. Private insurance companies offer these plans, which must cover everything A and B cover, plus often add extras like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships. Most plans also include prescription drug coverage. Cost: Varies widely — some plans have $0 premium (you still pay Part B premium), others cost $20–$100+/month. You either choose Original Medicare (A+B) OR Medicare Advantage (Part C) — not both.

Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage

~27s

Part D covers prescription medications. These are private plans you add to Original Medicare (A+B) to get drug coverage. Costs vary by plan and what drugs you take. If you choose Medicare Advantage (Part C), drug coverage is usually included. Important: There's a penalty for not enrolling in Part D when first eligible (unless you had other qualifying drug coverage). Even if you take few medications, a basic Part D plan protects you from high costs if you need expensive drugs later.

What Medicare does NOT cover

~25s

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover: routine dental care (cleanings, fillings, dentures), routine vision care (eyeglasses, contacts), hearing aids, most long-term care (nursing home beyond a limited stay), or care received outside the US. To fill these gaps, many people buy a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan alongside Original Medicare, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these extras. The medicare.gov Plan Finder tool helps you compare plans available in your area.

You Did It!

You've completed: Medicare Basics: What Parts A, B, C, and D Mean

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Medicare has four separate parts — A, B, C, and D — and understanding what each covers is essential for making informed decisions about your health coverage. Many people are enrolled in Parts A and B but don't know exactly what they cover or that they may need additional coverage.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older. Most Americans qualify based on work history (if you've worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you qualify for premium-free Part A). The program covers a lot — but not everything — which is why understanding each part matters.

This guide explains each part in plain language, who qualifies, what it costs, and what to think about when making enrollment decisions.

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

medicare

medicare parts

medicare basics

part A

part B

part D