Medicare explained
Medicare basics, simplified.
Medicare has four parts. Here's what each one covers — explained in plain, easy-to-read language.
Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people get Part A premium-free.
Medical Insurance
Helps cover doctor services, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Combines Part A and Part B, and usually includes Part D drug coverage plus extras like dental, vision, and hearing.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Available as a stand-alone plan with Original Medicare, or built into most Medicare Advantage plans.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare is Part A + Part B, run by the federal government. You can add a stand-alone Part D plan and a Supplement (Medigap) to help with out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that bundles everything together — often adding dental, vision, hearing, and drug coverage, with a maximum out-of-pocket limit.
What to know before you turn 65
- Your enrollment window starts 3 months before your 65th birthday.
- Decide whether to keep employer coverage or switch to Medicare.
- Gather your medication list and preferred doctors.
- Talk to a local professional before you choose — it's free.