Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D: What Each One Covers
Direct answer: Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and some home health care, and is generally premium-free for people who paid Medicare payroll taxes for enough years while working.
Part B covers outpatient medical services — doctor visits, preventive care, and durable medical equipment — and carries a monthly premium that increases at higher income levels.
Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) offered through private insurers, often bundling in Part D drug coverage and additional benefits like dental or vision.
Part D covers prescription drugs and is offered through private plans as well, with a separate premium; enrolling late without other qualifying coverage can trigger a permanent late-enrollment penalty.
Try the Benefit Trim Score to see your own estimated eligibility across 20 programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I automatically get Medicare Part B?
Not always — depending on your situation, you may need to actively enroll, and missing your initial enrollment window can trigger a late penalty.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is run directly by the federal government; Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered through private insurers as an alternative, often bundling extra benefits.
Is Part D mandatory?
Not mandatory, but enrolling late without other qualifying drug coverage can trigger a permanent late-enrollment penalty added to future premiums.