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Home / How Medicare Works
Medicare Basics

How Medicare works, in plain words.

Medicare has several parts, and each one has a different job. Here is the big picture without all the insurance jargon.

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The four parts

Each part of Medicare has its own job.

You will see these letters often. Here is what they mean.

A

Part A — Hospital

Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care in certain situations, hospice and some home health care.

B

Part B — Medical

Helps cover doctors, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, X-rays, durable medical equipment and other medically necessary services.

C

Part C — Medicare Advantage

An alternative way to receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan. Most plans include Part D and may offer extra benefits.

How Medicare Advantage works →
D

Part D — Prescription Drugs

Helps cover prescription medicines. You can get Part D through a standalone drug plan or through most Medicare Advantage plans.

How Part D works →
Sample red, white and blue Medicare card

What does a Medicare card look like?

Your Medicare card shows your Medicare Number and the dates your Part A and Part B coverage started. Those dates are important when we review your enrollment options.

Sample card shown for educational purposes.

Two common ways to receive your Medicare coverage

Original Medicare + optional additional coverage

Original Medicare is Part A and Part B. You can generally use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Many people add a standalone Part D plan for prescriptions and may purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help with certain out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private company approved by Medicare. Plans typically use provider networks, most include prescription drug coverage, and many offer extra benefits such as dental, vision or hearing.

There is no single option that is right for everybody. Your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits and preferred way of receiving care can change which option makes more sense for you.

What about the Part B premium?

Part B has a monthly premium. You generally continue paying it whether you use Original Medicare or enroll in Medicare Advantage. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer a Part B premium reduction benefit, depending on the plan and service area.

Turning 65?

If you are approaching Medicare for the first time, your enrollment timing and any employer coverage you have can matter. I made a separate page specifically for that transition.

Read the Turning 65 Guide
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