About the different parts of Medicare
Medicare has four different parts: A, B, C and D. Each has its own benefits.
Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug coverage).
- Learn more about Original Medicare.
- Compare Medicare Parts A and B (PDF 273.98KB).
- Medicare drug coverage (Part D).
Private insurance companies also sell Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans. If you have Original Medicare, they help pay for some of the costs that Medicare Part A and B do not cover such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles. These plans do not include prescription drug coverage.
- Learn more about Medigap.
- 10 standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) covered services (PDF 270.09KB)
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are private insurance alternatives to Original Medicare. They are bundled plans that include the same coverage as Parts A, B and usually D.
- Learn more about Medicare Advantage.
- Learn about when you can sign up for Medicare Advantage (PDF 3.65MB).
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans and choose the right one for you.
- What you need to know about Medicare Advantage plans before you buy (PDF 262.34KB).
- Medicare drug coverage (Part D).
When to sign up for Medicare
You can generally sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. However, you may be eligible for Medicare before you turn 65 if you are receiving Social Security benefits or have certain medical conditions.
Learn how to get started with Medicare.
When your coverage will start
Your Medicare coverage usually starts the month you turn 65. If you're over 65, it starts the month you sign up.
Learn when your coverage will start.
How to use Medicare
Once you start Medicare, it's important to understand how to protect your Medicare card and get access to care.