Medicare 101

The options for Medicare plans and program offerings can be overwhelming. We're here to help!

Types of Medicare Coverage

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:


  • People who are 65+
  • Certain people with disabilities
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)


Original Medicare

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical). After you pay a deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share (coinsurance and deductibles).

Hospital Care (Medicare Part A)

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home healthcare services.

Medical Care (Medicare Part B)

Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, bridges the coverage gap left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and covers costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. 

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Also called Medicare Part C, these plans combine the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) into a single plan with additional coverage, like dental, vision, hearing, wellness, and more. 

Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D)

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) work in tandem with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage plans to provide prescription drug coverage. 

Dental, Vision & Hearing

Dental and vision plans are additional ancillary products beneficiaries can purchase (as standalone or part of Medicare Advantage) since they are not included in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage.

A doctor is sitting on a couch talking to a patient on a video call.