Parts of Medicare
To make coverage as flexible as possible, Medicare is broken up into multiple parts and types. People can choose between two different types of Medicare: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plan. Additionally, there are three different parts of Medicare that are covered under these plans, Parts A, B, and D. These different types of Medicare incorporate the different parts of Medicare to meet the individual patient’s health needs.
Coverage
Medicare is required to cover certain conditions based on federal and state law. Each part of Medicare covers different aspects of healthcare. While we will explore each of these parts in more detail in subsequent sections, below is a brief detailed list of what each part covers.
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Part A Covers:
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care
- Hospice Care
- Some Home Health Care
Part B Covers:
- Some doctors’ services
- Outpatient care
- Medical Supplies
- Preventive Services
Part D Covers:
- Prescription drugs
- Some Medicare Cost Plans
- Some Fee-for-Service Plans
- Medical Savings Account plans
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Plan
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plan, often referred to as Part C, covers different parts of Medicare. Original Medicare covers Parts A and B. People can purchase Part D to get prescription coverage while on Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans differ based on the private insurer. Generally, Medicare Advantage Plans also cover Part D. The main difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is that Medicare Advantage offers more coverage for a monthly premium.
Summary
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage cover three parts of Medicare: Parts A, B, and D. Together, these three parts cover inpatient care, outpatient care, and prescription drugs. While parts A and B are covered under Original Medicare, consumers can pick Part D through Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, depending on what is best for them.
