What are the Parts of Medicare?

Part A (hospital insurance)

Part A helps pay for inpatient care at:

• Hospitals
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Hospice

It also covers some outpatient home health care.

Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse’s work.

Part B (medical insurance)

Part B helps cover:

• Services from doctors and other health care providers
• Outpatient care
• Home health care
• Durable medical equipment
• Some preventive services

Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. The exact premium depends on your income level. Review what you might pay for Medicare at Medicare.gov.

Private companies run Parts C and D. The federal government approves each plan. Costs and coverage types vary by provider.

Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. It’s an alternative to Parts A and B that bundles several coverage types, including Parts A, B, and usually D. It may also include:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Dental insurance

You must sign up for Part A or Part B before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Part D (prescription drug coverage)

Part D helps cover prescription drug costs.

You must sign up for Part A or Part B before enrolling in Part D.