Real answers for your healthcare questions
What is the difference between Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D?
Answer
The four parts of Medicare cover different pieces of your healthcare. Part A focuses mainly on hospital care, Part B on medical and outpatient care, Part C is Medicare Advantage, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
What to Know
Part A and Part B together are commonly called Original Medicare. Part C plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and provide Part A and Part B benefits, often with drug coverage and extra benefits. Part D can be purchased separately with Original Medicare or included in many Medicare Advantage plans.
What to Do Next
Do not choose based on the letter alone. Look at how each part fits together, what you already have, and whether you need separate drug or supplemental coverage. Medicare.gov is a good place to verify current benefits and costs.
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