Medicare Basics
June 22, 2026
Medicare basics, in plain language.
Four parts, two main paths, and a few add-ons. Here is the whole picture before you make any decisions.
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The four parts of Medicare
- Part A — Hospital insurance. Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health. Most people pay no premium.
- Part B — Medical insurance. Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. It has a monthly premium.
- Part C — Medicare Advantage. An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers, often bundling drug coverage and extras.
- Part D — Prescription drug coverage. Standalone drug plans from private insurers that help pay for medications.
Two main paths
Original Medicare (Part A + Part B): you can see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. Most people add a Part D drug plan and often a Medigap supplement to limit out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): a private plan that replaces how you get Parts A and B, usually with networks, often with a drug plan and extras like dental or vision built in. Compare the trade-offs in our plan comparison guide.
Where Medigap fits
Medigap, or Medicare Supplement insurance, works only with Original Medicare. It helps pay the deductibles and coinsurance that Part A and Part B leave behind, which can make your costs more predictable. You cannot use Medigap with a Medicare Advantage plan.
How to get started
Most people first become eligible at 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window around your birthday month. Enroll on time to avoid lifelong penalties, then decide between Original Medicare and Advantage based on the providers, drugs, and budget that fit your life.