Medicare
Understand Your Medicare Coverage Options
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals who qualify.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps eligible individuals pay for certain healthcare services.
It is divided into different parts that can cover hospital care, doctor visits, outpatient services, prescription drugs and other medical needs.
People may receive coverage through Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans or a combination of Medicare and supplemental coverage.
Why Learn About Medicare?
Hospital Coverage
Medicare Part A can help cover eligible inpatient hospital and certain facility-based services.
Medical Coverage
Medicare Part B can help with doctor visits, outpatient care and other medically necessary services.
Coverage Choices
Eligible individuals can choose between Original Medicare and private Medicare Advantage options.
Explore Medicare Options
Medicare Part A
Helps cover eligible inpatient hospital care and certain skilled nursing and home health services.
Medicare Part B
Helps cover doctor services, outpatient care, preventive services and certain medical equipment.
Medicare Advantage
Private plans that generally combine Parts A and B and may include additional benefits.
Medicare Part D
Prescription drug coverage available through private insurance plans approved by Medicare.
Medigap
Supplemental coverage designed to help with certain costs not paid by Original Medicare.
Special Needs Plans
Medicare Advantage plans designed for people with certain health conditions or eligibility circumstances.
Compare Common Medicare Options
| Feature | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | Medigap |
| Hospital Coverage | Yes | Yes | Supplements Original Medicare |
| Medical Coverage | Yes | Yes | Helps with certain cost-sharing |
| Drug Coverage | Separate Part D | Often included | No |
| Provider Network | Broad | Usually network based | Follows Original Medicare |
| Extra Benefits | Limited | May include more | Limited |
| Private Insurer | No | Yes | Yes |
Medicare Costs
Medicare costs can vary depending on the coverage selected, income, plan type and healthcare use.
Common costs may include:
- Part B premium
- Medicare Advantage premium
- Part D premium
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Medigap premiums
Sample Medicare Cost Table
Data updated: 2026
| Coverage Type | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Drug Coverage | Provider Network |
| Part A | $— | $— | No | Broad |
| Part B | $— | $— | No | Broad |
| Medicare Advantage | $— | $— | Often | Network based |
| Part D | $— | $— | Yes | Plan specific |
| Medigap | $— | — | No | Original Medicare providers |
Disclaimer: Medicare premiums, deductibles, plan benefits and availability can change each year and may vary by income, location and private plan.
What Can Affect Medicare Costs?
Income
Higher-income beneficiaries may pay additional Medicare premiums.
Coverage Type
Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and supplemental plans have different cost structures.
Prescription Coverage
Drug plan premiums and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan and medications.
Location
Private Medicare plans can differ significantly by county and state.
Healthcare Use
Doctor visits, hospital care and prescriptions affect total out-of-pocket spending.
Supplemental Coverage
Medigap or other supplemental insurance adds additional premiums.
Who May Consider Medicare?
Medicare generally applies to people who meet federal eligibility requirements.
Common Situations
- Turning age 65
- Retiring from employer coverage
- Losing employer-sponsored insurance
- Qualifying due to certain disabilities
- Needing prescription coverage
- Comparing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Considering supplemental insurance
Benefits and Things to Consider
Benefits
- Federal health insurance protection
- Hospital and medical coverage
- Multiple coverage options
- Prescription coverage available
- Supplemental plans may reduce some out-of-pocket costs
Things to Consider
- Medicare does not cover every healthcare expense
- Enrollment periods matter
- Private plan networks vary
- Prescription formularies differ
- Costs and benefits can change each year
Medicare vs. Other Health Coverage
Medicare
Federal health insurance for eligible individuals, primarily those age 65 and older.
Health Insurance
Covers broader medical and healthcare expenses but may not include routine dental care.
Medicare Advantage
Private plans that provide Medicare-covered services and may include additional benefits.
Common Medicare Questions
Most people become eligible around age 65, while certain younger individuals may qualify due to disability or other conditions.
Part B generally covers doctor visits, outpatient services and preventive care.
Medicare Advantage plans are private alternatives to Original Medicare that provide Parts A and B benefits.
Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private Medicare-approved plans.
Medigap is private supplemental insurance designed to help with certain costs not covered by Original Medicare..
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, although some Medicare Advantage plans may include dental benefits.
Enrollment timing depends on age, employment status and other coverage, so it is important to understand applicable enrollment periods.
Related Health & Protection Options
Health Insurance
Explore coverage for doctor visits, hospital services and other medical expenses.
Disability Insurance
Explore income protection if illness or injury prevents you from working.
Long-Term Care
Learn about coverage for extended care needs.
Critical Illness
Explore lump-sum coverage for certain serious medical diagnoses.
Ready to Explore Medicare?
Compare Medicare coverage types, costs and supplemental options to better understand which choices may fit your healthcare needs.
