Medicare Basics

What Is Medicare? A Plain-Language Overview

How the four parts of Medicare fit together and what each one actually pays for.

About 5 minute read

Overview

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and for some people under 65 with qualifying disabilities. It is organized into parts, and each part solves a different problem.

How it works

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, hospice, and some home health care. Part B covers outpatient care: doctor visits, preventive screenings, lab work, durable medical equipment, and outpatient surgery.

What to watch for

Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is a private plan that replaces the way you receive Parts A and B. Part D is prescription drug coverage, offered through private carriers.

What to do next

Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is a separate private policy that works alongside Original Medicare to help pay the deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that Medicare leaves to you.

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The information on this site is educational only and is not medical, legal, or tax advice. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) benefits are standardized where applicable, but premiums, availability, and underwriting rules vary by carrier and by state. Gilbert Services Southwest is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal government or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Please consult a licensed insurance professional about your individual circumstances.

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