What are the different parts of Medicare?

PA MEDI is Pennsylvania’s statewide program of Medicare counseling under the auspices of the Chester County Department of Aging in Chester County. This newsletter from the PA MEDI program will help you understand what each of the parts of Medicare provides. The four parts of Medicare are:

Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for medically necessary inpatient hospital care, inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care and hospice care. The Part A premium is free

if you have worked ten years (40 quarters) and paid your FICA (Medicare) taxes. 

Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient services and other medical services and supplies that are not covered by Part A. There is a monthly premium for Part B.

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, covers all Medicare Part A and Part B services and may offer other services such as vision and dental assistance. Most Part C plans include prescription drugs. Premiums for Part C vary and most plans have co-pays when you receive medical services.

Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage for those not enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan. There is a monthly premium for Part D. 

Show All Answers

1. What is Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period?
2. How and when do I enroll in Medicare?
3. How does Medicare work with employer based insurance?
4. Am I covered by Medicare if my spouse or I is employed?
5. When can I switch my Medicare plan?
6. Does Medicare Cover COVID-19 Costs?
7. Do I need Medicare Part D?
8. Does Medicare cover vaccines?
9. What if one or more of my drugs is no longer covered by my Medicare drug plan?
10. What happens if you lose your Employer Group Health Plan when you are eligible for Medicare?
11. What's new for 2023?
12. When are the Medicare General Enrollment Period and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
13. How do I avoid Medicare scams?
14. What are 5-Star plans and when can I enroll?
15. How can I get help paying for Medicare Part B and Part D?
16. What are the different parts of Medicare?
17. How do I update my contact information if I'm moving?
18. Can I change my Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan anytime?
19. How do I create a Medicare account?
20. What are the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 for Medicare beneficiaries?