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What are the different parts of Medicare?

Learn about the different parts of Medicare, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and Medicare Supplement policies.

Part A
Hospital Insurance

Original Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Part B
Medical Insurance

Original Medicare Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Part C
Medicare Advantage

Combines Medicare Parts A and B, plus extra benefits, like vision, hearing, and dental services, and may include Part D prescription drug coverage, too.

Part D
Prescription Drug

Covers your prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).

Medicare Supplement
(also called Medigap)

Helps pay some costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B).

Explore Medicare plan types

Everyone has different health care needs—and we have health solutions for every stage of life.

Part A - Hospital Insurance 
 

  • Original Medicare Part A covers inpatient care you get at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Sometimes, Part A covers care you get at home, too.

  • Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A.*

  • You may pay a deductible, copays, and coinsurance for your health care, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan to help cover those costs.

    *For most people receiving Social Security benefits

Part B - Medical Insurance
 

  • Original Medicare Part B covers your doctor’s visits plus preventive care, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment.

  • Part B is optional. You don’t have to sign up for Part B if you don’t want it.

  • You usually pay a monthly premium.

For most services, you pay a yearly deductible and coinsurance, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan.

Medicare can be confusing but getting to know how government-sponsored Original Medicare works is a great place is to start.

Learn more about Original Medicare

Part C - Medicare Advantage 
 

  • Medicare Advantage plans combine all of the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A and B.
  • Medicare Advantage plans usually include prescription drug coverage (Part D).
  • Many Medicare Advantage plans include extra benefits like dental, hearing, and vision care.
  • Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans

Part D - Prescription Drug
 

  • Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage may be included with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).
  • You can also purchase a Part D prescription drug plan by itself, or in addition to a Medicare Supplement plan.
  • Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.

Learn more about Medicare Prescription Drug plans

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
 

  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay for costs Original Medicare does not cover, like copays and coinsurance for the health care you receive.
  • Most Medicare Supplement plans allow you to choose any doctor, specialist, or hospital that accepts Medicare.
  • Your benefits and costs will depend on the plan you choose. Medicare Supplement plans also may factor in your age, tobacco use, and county of primary residence when you apply.

Learn more about Medicare Supplement plans

Original Medicare doesn't cover the costs of certain health care services.

Many people choose to enroll in extra coverage plans to help pay health care costs or get extra benefits not included as part of Original Medicare (Parts A and B). 

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does NOT cover:

Prescription drugs

Dental exams, most dental care, or dentures

Routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contacts

Hearing aids or hearing-related exams or services

Most care while traveling outside the United States

Chiropractic* care, acupuncture** or other alternative treatments

Part A and Part B deductibles and copays

*Medicare Part B only covers chiropractic services if medically necessary to correct a subluxation.
**Medicare Part B only covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain.

With health solutions from Florida Blue, you can get more Medicare benefits for less.

Ready to enroll?
Shop Florida Blue Medicare plans—we have health solutions for your unique needs.

Medicare Advantage
(Part C)

Explore Part C plans

Prescription Drug
(Part D)

Explore Part D plans

Medicare Supplement
(Medigap)

Explore Medigap plans

Call a licensed Medicare agent.
1-888-902-5708 
(TTY 1-800-955-8770)

Shop for Medicare plans in your area.

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Medicare Educational Resources

Find more resources and helpful information in our Medicare education library.

Medicare Basics Guide

July 2024

Medicare Planning Checklist

July 2024

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Last Updated: 10.01.2024
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