Medicare Basics: Parts A, B, C & D — Explained Simply

Medicare is divided into four parts, each covering different healthcare services.

Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. The standard Part B premium in 2026 is $185/month, though higher earners pay more (this is called IRMAA).

Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most include additional benefits like dental and vision.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. You can get Part D through a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

The big decision: Do you want Original Medicare (Parts A + B) with a Supplement plan and Part D — or do you want Medicare Advantage (Part C)? That single choice shapes almost everything else about your coverage, your costs, and your freedom to choose doctors.