The Parts of Medicare: A Simple Starting Point

Medicare has several parts. Understanding what each part does makes it easier to research coverage options without getting lost in plan details.

Part A: Hospital insurance

Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.

Part B: Medical insurance

Part B helps cover services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and many preventive services.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is another way to receive Medicare benefits. These Medicare-approved private plans include Part A and Part B, and most also include Part D drug coverage. Plan rules, networks and costs vary.

Part D: Prescription drug coverage

Part D helps cover prescription drug costs. You may get this coverage through a separate Medicare drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it.

Where does Medigap fit?

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, is separate from the lettered Parts A through D. It is private insurance designed to help with certain out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare.

What should you read next?

Start with Medicare.gov’s official explanation of the parts of Medicare. For the two main coverage paths, read Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Official sources

Sources reviewed November 9, 2026. Medicare rules and plan information may change; check the official source for updates.