What Is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older (and some younger people with disabilities). It has four parts: Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers doctor and outpatient care, Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an all-in-one private alternative, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
The big decision is your path: keep Original Medicare (Parts A + B) and add a Medigap supplement plus a Part D drug plan, or pick an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan. One gives you nationwide provider freedom; the other gives you the lowest premium and bundled extras.