What Are the “Parts” of Medicare?

Posted by Bryce Korngold
Estimated Reading Time 1 minute 40 seconds

As you are researching Medicare coverage, it’s important to understand the different types of plans and the coverage you can expect. Medicare is divided into 4 “Parts”:

Medicare Part A – Hospital Coverage

The first part of Medicare covers the cost of care in hospital settings. Not only are inpatient services covered under this plan when you are admitted to a hospital, but it also pays for services in other facilities as well (including home care):

• Hospitals
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Home Health Care
• Hospice Care

Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance

The second part of Medicare covers general medical appointments and treatments. In addition to diagnostics and medical services, coverage is also available for general checkups and preventive services. Here is an overview of the kind of coverage you get through Medicare Part B:

• Outpatient care
• Appointments with doctors and other healthcare providers
• Home health care
• Required medical equipment (hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)
• Preventive medical services (wellness checkups, vaccines, health screenings, etc.)

Medicare Part C – Advantage Supplemental Insurance

This supplement insurance coverage comes through private companies that are pre-approved through the Medicare program. Medicare Part C gives you access to all of the coverage available through Parts A and B, as well as extra coverage to fill in the “gaps.”

Paying for a Part C plan ensures you have coverage for additional services.

When you enroll in Medicare Part C, the private insurance is paid a monthly fixed amount through the Medicare program. Then, you pay a monthly premium for the gap insurance. These out-of-pocket costs vary depending on your circumstances and the type of plan you choose. It’s important to note that these private companies must meet specific requirements set by Medicare.

Medicare Part D – Prescription Coverage

The last part of Medicare coverage you might consider is to cover the cost of prescription drugs. You can get Part D coverage by adding it to your Original Medicare plan. Or many Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) also include the option of prescription coverage.

Because of the high cost of prescriptions, most people choose to enroll in Part D to have support in paying for the medications recommended by their doctors.

Help Finding the Right Medicare Plan

Do you need support choosing the right Medicare Plan? Talk to our experienced team of agents at Monarch Benefits.  We offer a personalized approach to helping retirees find the ideal medical coverage.