What Is the Difference Between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D?

What Is the Difference Between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D?

If you’ve started looking into Medicare, you’ve probably run into a confusing alphabet soup — Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D… and maybe a little panic.

Don’t worry — it’s actually pretty simple once you break it down. Each “Part” of Medicare covers a different piece of your healthcare needs. Let’s walk through them together so you know what’s what.

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Think of Part A as your coverage for care in a facility.

It helps pay for:

• Hospital stays

• Skilled nursing facility care (short-term)

• Hospice care

• Some home health services

Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A, as long as they (or their spouse) paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years. However, there are deductibles and coinsurance if you use these services.

Part B: Medical Insurance

Part B covers the stuff that happens outside the hospital — think doctors, specialists, and lab work.

It helps pay for:

• Doctor visits

• Outpatient care

• Preventive services (like flu shots or cancer screenings)

• Medical equipment (like walkers or oxygen)

Part B has a monthly premium ($185/month in 2025), plus a deductible and 20% coinsurance on most services after that deductible is met.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

This is where things get a little more customizable.

Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. These are plans offered by private insurance companies that bundle together Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription coverage) into one plan.

Medicare Advantage plans usually offer:

• Lower monthly premiums

• Out-of-pocket maximums (Original Medicare doesn’t have one)

• Extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, or transportation

The trade-off? These plans usually have networks, meaning you may need to stay in-network for care, and you might need referrals to see specialists.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover most prescription drugs. That’s where Part D comes in.

Part D plans are:

• Offered by private insurance companies

• Usually have a monthly premium

• Include copays or coinsurance based on the medications you take

You can get Part D either as a standalone plan (if you have Original Medicare) or bundled into a Medicare Advantage plan.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

• Part A = Hospital coverage

• Part B = Medical coverage

• Part C = Medicare Advantage (a bundled alternative to A and B, often with extras)

• Part D = Prescription drug coverage

Choosing the right mix depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. Some people stick with Original Medicare (A and B) and add a Part D and Medigap plan. Others go with a Medicare Advantage plan that covers everything in one.

Need Help Choosing?

That’s where we come in. If you’re turning 65 and feeling overwhelmed by the options, we’re here to walk you through it. We’ll help you compare plans, ask the right questions, and find a setup that fits your life.

Let’s make Medicare feel a whole lot simpler.