Medicare Plan Chooser
Medicare has Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap — and it confuses almost everyone. This tool won't sell you anything. Answer 7 plain-English questions and we'll explain which type of Medicare plan usually fits your situation best, and which rabbit hole to dig into next.
This is educational, not advice. TekSure is not an insurance broker and doesn't sell plans. For personalized help, talk to a free SHIP counselor — they're trained, unbiased, and paid by the government, not a commission.
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What Medicare does NOT cover
This is what confuses people most. Medicare is not universal health insurance — it has real gaps. Here's what is usually NOT included:
- Long-term care (nursing homes, assisted living). Medicare only pays for short-term skilled nursing after a hospital stay — not ongoing custodial care. For long-term care, people use savings, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid.
- Most dental care. Cleanings, fillings, dentures, and most dental surgery. Some Medicare Advantage plans include limited dental, but caps are usually $1,000–$2,500/year.
- Routine vision care. Eye exams for glasses and the glasses themselves. Medicare covers cataract surgery and eye issues related to disease (like diabetes).
- Hearing aids. Medicare doesn't cover the devices themselves. Some Advantage plans offer an allowance. Over-the-counter hearing aids (since 2022) can be a good low-cost option.
- Cosmetic surgery and most alternative medicine. Acupuncture for chronic lower back pain is covered; most other alternative care is not.
- Care outside the United States. Original Medicare generally won't cover you abroad. Some Medigap plans add limited foreign travel emergency coverage.
- Concierge / direct primary care fees. The monthly membership fee some doctors charge is not reimbursed by Medicare.
Medicare alphabet, decoded
The parts are named with letters, which is why everyone finds it confusing. Here's what each letter actually means:
- Part A — Hospital insurance
- Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, some home health. Usually free if you or your spouse worked 10+ years.
- Part B — Medical insurance
- Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive care, medical equipment. About $185/month for most people in 2026.
- Part C — Medicare Advantage
- A private-insurer bundle that replaces Parts A + B (and usually D). Lower premium, but network restrictions.
- Part D — Prescription drugs
- A stand-alone drug plan you add to Original Medicare. $0–$70/month typical.
- Medigap (Parts F, G, N, etc.) — Supplement
- A private plan that pays the 20% coinsurance Original Medicare leaves. Plan G is the most popular choice today. Does NOT work with Medicare Advantage.
- Extra Help / LIS — Prescription subsidy
- A federal program that makes Part D drugs nearly free for people with limited income.
- SHIP — Free Medicare counseling
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program — free, unbiased help from trained volunteers in every state. shiphelp.org
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only and reflects general Medicare rules as of 2026. It is not insurance advice, and TekSure is not a licensed insurance agent or broker. Specific costs, networks, and rules change every year and vary by location. Always confirm details on Medicare.gov or with a SHIP counselor before enrolling.