---
title: "Medicare Parts A, B, C & D Explained"
canonical: "https://www.simplyinsurance.com/medicare-parts-explained/"
description: "Medicare has four parts — A, B, C, and D. Here's exactly what each part covers, what it costs, and how Original Medicare compares to Medicare Advantage."
silo: "medicare"
published: "2026-06-08"
updated: "2026-06-08"
author: "sa-el"
source: "Simply Insurance"
---
Medicare can feel like alphabet soup — Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D. But once you see what each part actually covers, the whole system clicks into place. Here's the plain-English version so you can pick the coverage that fits you.

## The Quick Version

Medicare is split into four parts:

| Part | Covers | Typical 2026 cost |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital / inpatient care | $0 for most people |
| Part B | Doctor visits + outpatient care | ~$185/month |
| Part C | "Medicare Advantage" (A + B + extras, from a private insurer) | Varies; many $0 premium |
| Part D | Prescription drugs | ~$0–$60/month |

"Original Medicare" means Part A + Part B together, run by the federal government. **Medicare Advantage (Part C)** is an all-in-one alternative sold by private insurers that bundles A, B, and usually D plus extras.

## Part A — Hospital Insurance

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay **$0 for Part A** because they (or a spouse) paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years while working. You still owe a deductible per benefit period before Part A pays.

## Part B — Medical Insurance

Part B covers the everyday medical care that happens outside the hospital: doctor visits, preventive screenings, lab tests, durable medical equipment, mental health care, and outpatient procedures. The standard Part B premium is around **$185/month in 2026**, and higher earners pay more. After a small annual deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most services.

## Part C — Medicare Advantage

Part C, better known as **Medicare Advantage**, is an all-in-one plan from a private insurer that replaces Original Medicare. By law it must cover everything Parts A and B cover, and most plans add prescription drugs (Part D) plus extras Original Medicare doesn't include — dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits. Many Advantage plans advertise a **$0 monthly premium** (you still pay your Part B premium), but they use provider networks and require referrals more often, so the trade-off is lower upfront cost for less provider freedom.

## Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage

Part D covers prescription medications. You get it either as a standalone drug plan added to Original Medicare, or built into a Medicare Advantage plan. Premiums vary by plan and the drugs you take. If you don't sign up for drug coverage when you're first eligible and don't have other creditable coverage, you can owe a **late-enrollment penalty** for life — so don't skip it just because you don't take medications today.

## Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How to Choose

- **Choose Original Medicare + a Medigap (supplement) + Part D** if you want to see any doctor that accepts Medicare nationwide, with predictable out-of-pocket costs and no referrals.
- **Choose Medicare Advantage (Part C)** if you want the lowest monthly premium, are comfortable with a provider network, and value bundled dental/vision/hearing extras.

There's no universally "best" choice — it depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, and how you weigh monthly cost against freedom to choose providers, so you may want to [Compare Medicare Quotes Online](https://www.simplyinsurance.com/compare-medicare-quotes-online/) before deciding.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What does Medicare Part B cover?**

Part B covers outpatient and medical care: doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, mental health services, durable medical equipment, and many outpatient procedures. After your annual deductible, you generally pay 20% of the approved cost.

**What is the difference between Medicare Part C and Part D?**

Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a complete plan from a private insurer that bundles your hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one. Part D is prescription-drug-only coverage that you add to Original Medicare if you're not using an Advantage plan.

**Do I need all four parts of Medicare?**

Most people enroll in Part A and Part B. From there you pick either Medicare Advantage (Part C) — which folds in drug coverage — or you keep Original Medicare and add a standalone Part D drug plan (and often a Medigap supplement). You generally won't have both an Advantage plan and a standalone Part D plan at the same time.

**How much does Medicare cost per month?**

Part A is usually $0. Part B is about $185/month in 2026 (more for high earners). [Part D and Medicare Advantage premiums vary widely — many Advantage plans are advertised at $0 premium on top of your Part B premium.](https://www.simplyinsurance.com/medicare-rates-by-state/)