Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. It helps cover many healthcare costs, but it doesn’t pay for everything. Medicare is divided into different parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
   
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical equipment.
   

Together, Parts A and B are called “Original Medicare.”

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
These plans combine Part A and Part B coverage and often include extra benefits such as:

• Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
   
• Dental, vision, and hearing benefits
   
• Wellness programs and gym memberships
   

You still pay your Part B premium, but Medicare Advantage plans may have additional costs, copays, or provider networks to consider.

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, helps cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, such as:

• Copayments
   
• Coinsurance
   
• Deductibles
   

Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and work alongside Original Medicare. They do not include prescription drug coverage, so many people pair a Medigap plan with a separate Part D prescription plan.

Part D plans are stand-alone prescription drug plans offered by private insurers. They help cover the cost of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs.

• You can enroll in a Part D plan if you have Original Medicare.
   
• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage, you generally don’t need a separate Part D plan.
   

 In summary:

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Hospital + medical coverage.
   
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): All-in-one plan with extra benefits.
   
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Helps pay what Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
   
• Medicare Part D: Prescription drug coverage.