Medicare, in plain English.
The parts, the plan types, and how they fit together. General education to help you ask better questions.
The parts of Medicare
Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Most people pay a monthly Part B premium.
Together, Parts A and B are called Original Medicare. From there, most people either add coverage to Original Medicare or choose a Medicare Advantage plan.
Plan types, side by side
| Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement | Part D | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | An alternative way to get Parts A and B through a private plan approved by Medicare | Extra coverage that helps pay costs Original Medicare leaves behind | Prescription drug coverage |
| Works with | Takes the place of Original Medicare for how you get A and B | Original Medicare | Original Medicare, or alongside a Supplement |
| Doctors | Usually a plan network | Any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare | Plan pharmacy network |
| Drug coverage | Often included | Not included | Yes |
| Yearly limit on costs | Yes, an out of pocket maximum | Depends on the plan letter | Yes, an out of pocket cap |
Benefits, costs, and rules vary by plan and change every year. Official details at Medicare.gov.
Annual Enrollment
October 15 to December 7 every year. Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, with changes starting January 1.
Medicare Advantage members also have a window from January 1 to March 31 to make one change.
Not sure which fits?
Ricky checks your doctors and prescriptions against options we offer in your area.
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