Building Blocks of Medicare

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Types of Medicare Coverage

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:


  • People who are 65+
  • Certain people with disabilities
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)


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Medicare Part A (Hospital)

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home healthcare services.

Medicare Part B (Medical)

Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Also called Medicare Part C, these plans combine the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) into a single plan with additional coverage, like dental, vision, hearing, wellness, and more. 

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, bridges the coverage gap left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and covers costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. 

Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Works Together with Original Medicare


Medigap plans bridge the coverage gaps left by Medicare Parts A and B to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. A Part D drug plan must be purchased separately.


Part C (Medicare Advantage): An Alternative to Original Medicare


Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B), often with additional coverage, which varies by plan. Most plans use provider networks (similar to an HMO or PPO).


Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)


Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) work in tandem with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or Medicare Advantage plans to provide prescription drug coverage.