Medicare A, B, C's and D's

Medicare Part A—hospital insurance
If you are over 65, or otherwise qualified for Medicare, you may be eligible for Part A. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, home health care, and hospice care. Once you are enrolled, your benefits are automatic—usually with no monthly premium.
Part A is free to you if you have worked in the United States 40 quarters (about 10 years) or more.

Medicare Part B—medical insurance
Medicare Part B is optional. Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, such as doctor office visits, lab, X-ray, durable medical equipment, and mental health services.

Medicare Part C—Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Part C refers to Medicare Advantage plans (formerly known as "Medicare+Choice" plans), which are provided by private insurance companies or healthcare organizations.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, your medical coverage, although regulated by Medicare, is provided by and administered through a healthcare organization or insurance carrier, not the government. These plans are designed to provide additional benefits not covered by Medicare Parts A or B.

Under applicable law, you are eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if you are entitled to Part A and enrolled in Part B and you meet a few other requirements.

Medicare Part D—Medicare prescription drug coverage
Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) took effect on January 1, 2006, and is available to all Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare prescription drug coverage works differently from Medicare Parts A and B. To get this coverage, beneficiaries must choose a plan from a private company. Each plan may be a little different, but it must be equal to the government's standard benefit design.

For more details on Medicare we recommend medicare.gov.

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