Medicare

Hospital Stays

Part A is hospital coverage. It covers care you receive while an inpatient in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Doctor Visits

Part B is medical coverage. It covers doctor visits, clinic services and care you receive as an outpatient.

​Medicare Part B helps pay for care you receive in a clinic or hospital as an outpatient. Part B also covers most doctor services you receive as a hospital inpatient. Most other hospital services are covered by Part A.

Medicare Advantage

Part C is Medicare Advantage. These plans combine the coverage of Parts A and B into one plan. They often include prescription drug coverage, too.

​Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. You must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B to join a Medicare Advantage plan. You’ll still be in the Medicare program, but you will receive your benefits through the plan instead of through Original Medicare.

Prescription Drugs

Part D is prescription drug coverage. Plans cover many medications that are prescribed by your doctor or other qualified health professionals.

​Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover prescription drugs. Many people who choose Original Medicare add a prescription drug (Part D) plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D.

​In general, you may enroll in a Part D plan if you are entitled to Medicare Part A or if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B. In addition, you must live in the service area of a Part D plan.

Hospital Stays