A plain-English guide
Medicare is built from a few moving parts. Knowing how they fit together is the first step to a confident decision — and to a plan that actually works for your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health care. Most people pay $0 premium if they (or a spouse) paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years.
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab tests, and durable medical equipment. Carries a standard monthly premium that can vary by income.
A private all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. Typically bundles Parts A, B, and often D — and may include dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits.
Stand-alone coverage that helps pay for prescription medications. Plans differ widely in covered drugs (formulary) and pharmacy networks — picking the wrong one is costly.
Sold by private insurers to fill the "gaps" in Original Medicare — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Standardized plans (G, N, etc.) mean coverage is identical across carriers; only price differs.
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