Back to Medicare Basics

Medicare is a vital program for millions of Americans, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood systems in our healthcare landscape. Whether you are nearing age 65 or have been a beneficiary for years, a quick refresher on the “alphabet soup” of Medicare can help you navigate your 2026 coverage with confidence.

Medicare is generally divided into four distinct parts, each covering specific services:

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Part A covers inpatient care. Think of this as your “room and board” insurance for:

Inpatient hospital stays
Skilled nursing facility care
Hospice care
Some home health care Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part B: Medical Insurance

Part B covers outpatient services. This is for care you receive outside of a hospital stay, such as:

Doctor visits and specialist consultations
Preventive services (like flu shots or screenings)
Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs or oxygen) Part B requires a monthly premium, which is typically deducted from your Social Security check.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. When you join a Part C plan, you still have Medicare, but you get your Part A and Part B coverage from the Medicare Advantage Plan, not Original Medicare. These plans often include extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Part D helps cover the cost of self-administered prescription drugs. These plans are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare. You can get drug coverage as a standalone plan (to go with Original Medicare) or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

Every Circumstance is Different: Personalized Guidance Matters

While the definitions above are standard, how these parts work together depends entirely on your health needs, your budget, and your local area. There is no one-size-fits-all plan in Medicare.

This is why it is essential to speak with a licensed, local insurance agent. We take the time to look at your specific prescriptions and preferred doctors to see how these parts fit your life. Whether you have questions about your current 2026 coverage or want to learn more about the basics, we are here to provide clear, factual information.