Medicare comes with many different parts and plans. We're going to break down Medicare Parts A through D in a simple way so that you know which parts to enroll in.

Medicare comes with 4 different parts, Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Part A and B are both run by the Federal Government. Part C and D are offered through private insurance companies. When talking about Medicare plans, you're usually referring to supplemental Medicare options such as Medigap and Medicare Advantage. 

Part A is your hospital coverage for inpatient care. This includes room and board, nursing care received while at the hospital, meals, and diagnostic tests. Part A also covers skilled nursing and hospice. 

Part B is your coverage for outpatient care. This includes services at the doctors and other health care providers. Part B also covers preventive services, home healthcare, and items such as durable medical equipment. Basically, Part A will cover your services received at the hospital. Part B will cover any services received at the doctor's office. Part A and Part B is what makes up Original Medicare.

Now we're going to go over Part C. Also known as Medicare Advantage. Part C or Medicare Advantage is not part of Original Medicare. It's another way to get Part A and Part B coverage. It's Medicare coverage offered through private insurance companies. Since Part A and Part B don't cover 100% of your medical cost, most beneficiaries opt to enroll in additional supplemental coverage to fill in the gaps. This is done through either a Medicare Supplement Plan or Medicare Advantage plan. 

Medicare Advantage plans are a form of managed care. With these plans, you opt to receive your Part A and Part B benefits through the carrier's network of providers instead of Original Medicare. To be eligible for Part C, you still must enroll in both Part A and Part B, as well as live in the plans service area. It's important to remember, Part C is optional. Not every Medicare beneficiary will choose to enroll in a Part C plan.

Last but not least, is Part D. Part D is your prescription drug coverage. Part D plans are also offered through private insurance companies. It covers the prescriptions you pick up at your local pharmacy. Part D is also optional. However, if you don't have another form of prescription coverage that's considered creditable under Medicare, you could face enrollment penalties if you choose to enroll later. Part D plans do change annually. That's why it's important to compare all the options in your area each year during the fall Annual Enrollment Period.

Resource Links:
https://www.medicarefaq.com/original-medicare/medicare-parts/
https://www.medicarefaq.com/original-medicare/medicare-parts/medicare-part-a/
https://www.medicarefaq.com/original-medicare/medicare-parts/medicare-part-b/
https://www.medicarefaq.com/original-medicare/medicare-parts/medicare-part-c/
https://www.medicarefaq.com/original-medicare/medicare-parts/medicare-part-d/

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