What is Medicare?

You can receive Medicare in one of two ways:

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) provide many health care benefits. Part A covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing care. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care.

Part A is premium-free if you meet certain requirements such as being eligible for Social Security benefits.

Part B has a premium ($174.70 per month for 2024).

Private Plans

You can choose a Part C plan called Medicare Advantage which combines Part A and Part B coverage. Often, drug coverage and other benefits (such as vision, hearing and dental) are available that you don’t get with Original Medicare. Part D plans are Medicare prescription drug plans to help pay for medications. You can get a standalone Part D plan or get a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) helps pay some or all costs not paid by Original Medicare (deductibles, copays and coinsurance).