If you’re turning 65 or helping a loved one, you’ve probably heard of Medicare. But with so many parts and options, it can be confusing. This guide breaks it down into simple terms so you can make informed decisions.
Before we get into all the parts of Medicare, let’s start with the foundation: Original Medicare.
Original Medicare is made up of Part A and Part B, and it’s provided directly by the federal government.
Part A – Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and some limited home health care. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Part B – Medical Insurance
Part B helps cover services like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab tests, and medical equipment. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, which is adjusted based on income.
Together, Parts A and B form the backbone of Medicare and cover many common healthcare needs — but not all of them. That’s where Part C and Part D come in.
| Medicare Part | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice |
| Part B | Doctor visits, outpatient care, medical equipment |
| Part C | All-in-one Medicare Advantage plans (may include A, B, D, plus extras) |
| Part D | Prescription drug coverage |
Original Medicare covers a lot — but not everything. Common exclusions include:
Dental care
Vision services and eyeglasses
Hearing exams and hearing aids
Prescription drugs (unless enrolled in Part D)
Long-term custodial care
Care outside the U.S. (except some emergencies)
✉️ This is why many people look for extra coverage.
Choosing a Medicare plan doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ll break it down simply and help you choose a plan that works for your needs and budget. Schedule your consultation today.
Once you have Parts A and B (Original Medicare), you typically choose one of two paths:
Helps pay deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
Requires separate Part D for prescriptions.
Bundles A & B (and often D) into one private plan.
May include dental, vision, hearing, and fitness perks.
Includes a max out-of-pocket limit for the year.
| Feature | Original Medicare | Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Coverage | Provided by federal government (Parts A & B) | Supplements Original Medicare | Replaces Original Medicare with private coverage |
| Provider Flexibility | See any provider accepting Medicare | See any provider accepting Medicare | Use plan network providers (varies by plan) |
| Prescription Drugs | Separate Part D plan needed | Separate Part D plan needed | Often included |
| Out-of-Pocket Limits | No annual cap | No cap (but reduces costs) | Annual out-of-pocket maximum required |
| Extra Benefits | Limited | None beyond medical coverage | Often includes dental, vision, fitness, travel |
Choosing Medicare coverage doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you understand the core parts, it becomes easier to evaluate which option makes the most sense for your health, lifestyle, and budget.
At Graham Life Services, we’re here to guide you through every step of the Medicare journey — from enrollment to plan selection and beyond.
Not Sure What Coverage You Need?
Get expert help—schedule a quick call with us.
