What are Parts A, B, C, and D of Medicare?

Part A (hospital insurance): inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A. Part B (medical insurance): doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium. Part C (Medicare Advantage): an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Part A and Part B, usually include Part D, and often add extras like dental, vision, or hearing. Part D (prescription drug coverage): standalone drug coverage offered by private insurers, used alongside Original Medicare. A helpful way to think about it: you either keep Original Medicare (Parts A and B) — often adding a Part D plan and sometimes a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy or you choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that combines coverage in one place. Which path fits depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and how you like to get care. For the official breakdown and current premiums, see Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. A licensed agent can also walk you through how the parts fit your situation — there's no cost to you for that conversation.

— Matt Rolph, Los Angeles, CAVerified