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Learn the ABCDs of Medicare

There are four parts to Medicare. Knowing what each of them covers will help you cover all your health needs.

Four parts of Medicare 

Whenever you start something new, it's best to start by learning the basics. Let's take a look at the parts of Medicare:

Whenever you start something new, it’s best to start by learning the basics. Let’s take a look at the parts of Medicare:

  • Part A: This government issued insurance includes inpatient/hospital coverage.
  • Part B: This government issued insurance includes outpatient/medical coverage.
  • Part C: This private insurance Part A, Part B, but also offers additional benefits.
  • Part D: Separate prescription drug coverage plan.

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Part A

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It pays for benefits when you’re admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing facility. It also pays for things like home health and hospice care.

Part B

Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It covers services you have outside of the hospital, like doctor visits, lab work and medical supplies.

Parts A and B are also known as Original Medicare.

Part C

Medicare Part C, also know as Medicare Advantage, works differently than Original Medicare. Part C is an option that allows you to pick a private insurance company to provide your Medicare coverage with parts A and B, but usually with more benefits, like vision and hearing aids. Find a Medicare Advantage plan that’s right for you.



Part D

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. This private plan pays for your medication costs and can be combined with Original Medicare or included as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan, like Geisinger Gold.

Living healthier is better.

Learn more about plan options at a local meeting near you.

Y0032_22336_3_M Accepted 12/7/22
Page last updated: 12/7/22