The Different Parts of Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, under 65 with certain
disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). ESRD is permanent
kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. The different parts of
Medicare help cover specific services if you meet certain conditions.
Medicare has the following parts:
Medicare Part A
(Hospital Insurance)
- Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals (includes critical access hospitals,
inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals).
- Helps cover skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long-term care), hospice,
and home health care services.
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Medicare Part B
(Medical Insurance)
- Helps cover doctor services and outpatient care.
- Helps cover some preventive services to help maintain a person’s health and to
keep certain illnesses from getting worse.
- Generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services
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Medicare Part C
(Medicare Advantage Plans)
- A way to get Medicare benefits through private companies approved by and under
contract with Medicare.
- Includes Part A, Part B, and usually other benefits Medicare doesn’t cover. Most
plans also provide prescription drug coverage.
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Medicare Part D
(Prescription Drug Coverage)
- Run by private companies approved by Medicare, which can either be Medicare
Advantage Plans or separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
- Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
- Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.
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