Parts of Medicare
See how Parts A, B, C, and D work together and where they differ.
Part A: hospital insurance
Part A generally covers qualifying inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and some home health care. Most people have no Part A premium because of Medicare-tax work history. In 2026 the hospital inpatient deductible is $1,736 per benefit period; days 61–90 carry $434 daily coinsurance. The benefit period can restart after 60 days without inpatient hospital or skilled nursing care.
Official source: Medicare: Part A coverage ↗ · Medicare: Inpatient hospital care ↗ · Medicare: 2026 costs ↗
Part B: medical insurance
Part B generally covers medically necessary physician and outpatient services, durable medical equipment and preventive care. Most beneficiaries pay the $202.90 standard monthly premium in 2026, though income or a penalty can change it. Under Original Medicare the annual deductible is $283; for many services the beneficiary then pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if the provider accepts assignment.
Official source: Medicare: Part B coverage ↗ · Medicare: 2026 costs ↗
Part C: Medicare Advantage
To join an Advantage plan you need both A and B and must live in its service area. Medicare-approved private plans provide A and B benefits and usually drug coverage. Plans can use networks, referrals and prior authorization and set their own medical cost sharing and annual medical out-of-pocket limits. You keep paying Part B even if the particular plan advertises a $0 plan premium.
Official source: Medicare: Joining a plan ↗ · Medicare: Medicare Advantage guide ↗
Part D: prescriptions
Part D is drug coverage offered in a standalone plan or usually within Advantage. Formularies, covered strengths, tiers, pharmacy arrangements and prior-authorization rules vary. In 2026 covered Part D drugs have a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap, but plan premiums and medicines not covered by the plan require separate consideration. The optional Prescription Payment Plan changes payment timing, not total liability.
Official source: Medicare: What drug plans cover ↗ · Medicare: 2026 drug cap and payment option ↗ · Medicare: Prescription Payment Plan ↗
Medigap is not a fifth Medicare part
Medigap is private supplemental insurance for Original Medicare cost sharing; it is not a way to receive A and B benefits and cannot be used to pay Medicare Advantage cost sharing. Compare standardized plan letters before carriers and prices, and verify the applicable Medigap enrollment right before you leave another type of coverage.
Official source: Medicare: Original versus Advantage ↗ · Medicare: Buying Medigap ↗