The Four Parts of Medicare
There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.
- Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage
- Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage
- Part C offers an alternated way to receive your Medicare benefits
- Part D provides prescription drug coverage
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A, Hospital Insurance, helps cover:
- Inpatient Care in Hospitals
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care*
- Hospice Care
- Home Health Care
*Skilled nursing care and therapy services provided on a daily basis, in a skilled nursing facility. Examples of skilled nursing facility care include physical therapy or intravenous injections that can only be given by a registered nurse or doctor.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B, Medical Insurance, helps cover:
- Services from doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient Care
- Home Health Care
- Durable Medical Equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
- Many Preventive Services (like screenings, shots, or vaccines, and yearly “Wellness” visits)
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A, Hospital Insurance, helps cover:
- Inpatient Care in Hospitals
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care*
- Hospice Care
- Home Health Care
*Skilled nursing care and therapy services provided on a daily basis, in a skilled nursing facility. Examples of skilled nursing facility care include physical therapy or intravenous injections that can only be given by a registered nurse or doctor.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B, Medical Insurance, helps cover:
- Services from doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient Care
- Home Health Care
- Durable Medical Equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
- Many Preventive Services (like screenings, shots, or vaccines, and yearly “Wellness” visits)
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage
Private health insurance companies offer these plans. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare. The difference is the plan covers and pays for your services instead of Original Medicare. These plans must provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (so you’re not missing out on anything). They can also offer extra benefits.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage
Only private insurance plans offer it. It’s usually included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Part B does cover certain vaccines and medications (based on specific health conditions), Part D provides a much wider range of coverage of vaccines and outpatient prescription drugs.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage
Private health insurance companies offer these plans. When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare. The difference is the plan covers and pays for your services instead of Original Medicare. These plans must provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (so you’re not missing out on anything). They can also offer extra benefits.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage
Only private insurance plans offer it. It’s usually included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Part B does cover certain vaccines and medications (based on specific health conditions), Part D provides a much wider range of coverage of vaccines and outpatient prescription drugs.
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