What are the Four Parts of Medicare?

If you’re approaching age 65 or helping a loved one navigate healthcare options, you’ve likely asked, “What are the four parts of Medicare?”  Understanding how Medicare works is essential to making informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Medicare is divided into four distinct parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Each serves a different purpose, and choosing the right combination can impact both your care and costs. Let’s break it down.

Medicare Part A: Hospital Coverage

Medicare Part A is often called hospital insurance because it primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. If you or your spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years, you typically won’t pay a monthly premium for Part A. However, there may still be deductibles and coinsurance costs.

Medicare Part B: Medical Coverage

Medicare Part B covers outpatient services such as doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, durable medical equipment, and some home health services. It also includes coverage for medically necessary services like surgeries and diagnostic tests. Unlike Part A, Part B requires a monthly premium, and you’ll generally pay 20% of approved costs after meeting your deductible.

Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C, commonly known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Offered by private insurance companies, these plans often include additional benefits like vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs. Many Medicare Advantage plans also bundle prescription drug coverage, eliminating the need for a separate Part D plan. These plans provide a more comprehensive and often cost-effective approach to managing healthcare expenses.

Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Private insurance companies offer these standalone plans, which work alongside Original Medicare. Costs and covered medications vary by plan, so it’s important to compare options to find one that fits your needs.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the right Medicare plan can be overwhelming, but understanding the four parts is a great starting point. Many people find that Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offer a more streamlined approach by combining hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into a single plan.

If you’re considering your Medicare options, take the time to compare plans based on your healthcare needs and budget. 

At Temecula Medical Group, we know that Medicare decisions can be confusing. Our team is here to help you understand your options and find the best plan for your healthcare needs.

We want the absolute best care for our seniors. That's why we offer free Medicare Info sessions. Click the link below to learn more about how we can help you! 

Learn More About Medicare

For more information on how to optimize your Medicare plan, feel free to call us at Temecula Medical Group today! Call us at 951-302-2526 and we will be glad to help you. 

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Temecula Medical Group Place of Healing: We strive to make our clinic a healing space for all of our patients through compassionate care and active listening.