Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B.
- You can add a separate Medicare drug plan for Part D coverage.
- You may also be able to buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) to help with certain out-of-pocket costs.
MEDICARE, EXPLAINED SIMPLY
Start with the parts of Medicare.
Medicare can feel complicated because several parts work together in different ways. Start with what Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D, and Medicare Supplement Insurance are designed to do.
HOW MEDICARE FITS TOGETHER
There are two main ways to receive Medicare coverage.
Medicare.gov describes the two main coverage paths as Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Understanding that choice makes the individual parts much easier to follow.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered through private plans approved by Medicare.
- Plans include Part A and Part B benefits.
- Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D drug coverage.
- Plans may have provider networks, plan rules, and additional benefits.
THE PARTS OF MEDICARE
What each part is designed to cover.
The descriptions below are based on current Medicare.gov guidance and intentionally stay at a high level. Exact benefits, costs, eligibility, and plan rules can depend on your situation and the coverage you choose.
Hospital Insurance
Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health care.
Part A information at Medicare.govMedical Insurance
Part B helps cover services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, certain home health care, and many preventive services.
Part B information at Medicare.govMedicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are Medicare-approved private plans that provide an alternative way to receive Part A and Part B coverage. Most plans also include Part D drug coverage, and some offer additional benefits.
Medicare Advantage information at Medicare.govDrug Coverage
Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. You can get drug coverage through a separate Medicare drug plan with Original Medicare or, in many cases, through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
Part D information at Medicare.govMedicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, is extra insurance you can buy from a private insurance company to help pay your share of certain out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Generally, you need Original Medicare Part A and Part B before you can buy a Medigap policy.
Medigap information at Medicare.govFor official Medicare eligibility, enrollment, benefits, and coverage information, use Medicare.gov and SSA.gov. This page is intended as general educational information.
NOT SURE WHAT APPLIES TO YOU?
Bring your questions to a licensed insurance agent.
An agent can help you understand how the different Medicare coverage paths relate to your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and other priorities without changing the basic Medicare definitions above.
GET READY
Prepare before your appointment.
Having your medication list, doctors, current coverage information, and Medicare account access ready can make the conversation more useful.
See the Get Ready checklistMEDICARE QUESTIONS?
Talk with a licensed insurance agent.
Call the main office or book an appointment if you want help understanding Medicare coverage options available in your area.
- 405-842-0494
- info@navigatingmedicare.com
- Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm or by appointment
NEXT STEP
Start with the basics. Then compare your options.
We can help explain how Medicare coverage choices fit together and connect you with a licensed agent for plan-specific questions.
