Understanding Medicare Plans
A plain-English guide to Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, and Supplement plans — so you can make an informed decision.
Medicare Part A
Hospital Insurance
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services.
What it covers:
- Inpatient hospital care (after deductible)
- Skilled nursing facility care (up to 100 days)
- Hospice care for terminal illness
- Some home health services
Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. However, there are deductibles and coinsurance costs.
Have questions about Medicare Part A?
Stephen can walk you through how this fits into your overall Medicare picture — at no cost.
Ask StephenMedicare Part B
Medical Insurance
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medically necessary services.
What it covers:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Outpatient hospital services
- Preventive screenings and vaccines
- Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers)
- Mental health services
- Ambulance services
Part B has a standard monthly premium (set annually by the government) plus an annual deductible. After the deductible, Medicare typically pays 80% and you pay 20% — with no out-of-pocket maximum under Original Medicare alone.
Have questions about Medicare Part B?
Stephen can walk you through how this fits into your overall Medicare picture — at no cost.
Ask StephenMedicare Advantage
Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into one plan.
What it covers:
- Combines Parts A, B, and usually D
- Often includes extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing)
- Uses provider networks (HMO or PPO)
- May have lower monthly premiums than supplements
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum protects you from catastrophic costs
- Plans vary significantly by county and carrier
Medicare Advantage plans are regional — they use networks of doctors and hospitals. If you travel frequently or split time between states, this is an important consideration.
Have questions about Medicare Part C?
Stephen can walk you through how this fits into your overall Medicare picture — at no cost.
Ask StephenPrescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Part D
Part D plans help cover the cost of prescription drugs. They are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
What it covers:
- Covers brand-name and generic prescription drugs
- Each plan has a formulary (list of covered drugs)
- Costs vary by plan, drug tier, and pharmacy
- Available as a standalone plan or bundled in Medicare Advantage
- Late enrollment penalty applies if you go without creditable coverage
Not all Part D plans cover the same drugs at the same cost. Running a comparison based on your specific medications and preferred pharmacy can save you hundreds of dollars per year.
Have questions about Medicare Part D?
Stephen can walk you through how this fits into your overall Medicare picture — at no cost.
Ask StephenMedicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap) work alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
What it covers:
- Helps pay costs Original Medicare doesn't cover
- Works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
- No provider networks — use any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide
- Standardized plans (Plan G, Plan N, etc.) — same benefits regardless of carrier
- Predictable costs make budgeting easier
- Does not include drug coverage — requires a separate Part D plan
Medicare Supplement plans are ideal for people who want predictable costs and the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider. They typically have higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you need care.
Have questions about Supplement plans?
Stephen can walk you through how this fits into your overall Medicare picture — at no cost.
Ask StephenMedicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
One of the most common decisions in Medicare — here's a side-by-side look at how the two approaches compare.
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Works with any Medicare doctor | ||
| Includes prescription drug coverage | ||
| Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing) | ||
| Predictable out-of-pocket costs | ||
| Out-of-pocket maximum protection | ||
| Lower monthly premiums | ||
| Nationwide provider access | ||
| No referrals needed (PPO) |
Neither option is universally better — the right choice depends on your health, budget, and lifestyle. Stephen can help you compare both based on your specific situation.
Not Sure Which Plan Is Right for You?
Every Medicare situation is different. We'll compare your options side-by-side and help you find the plan that fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.