What are the Different Parts of Medicare - Medicare Parts Explained
This handy chart lets you see your options, costs, benefits and more.
Plan type |
 Medicare AdvantagePrivate healthcare Includes the same Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but many plans offer additional benefits |
 Original MedicareFederally funded healthcare You’re eligible when you turn 65. Some people under 65 are eligible due to certain disabilities |
 Medicare SupplementPrivate healthcare Also known as Medigap, this helps cover some of the costs not included in your Original Medicare coverage |
 Prescription Drug PlanPrivate drugs coverage Helps you lower the cost of your prescription drugs. Available with Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage |
Typical monthly cost |
From $0 per month | If you receive premium-free Part A, your Part B premium will be $144.60 per month, or higher based on income | From $68 to $400 per month, Monthly premiums vary based on the comprehensive plan | Average monthly premium in 2019 is $24 |
Out-of-pocket costs |
You pay a deductible, coinsurance and copays, the amount you pay varies by plan | After you've paid your yearly deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount | Helps cover some of the costs not included in your Original Medicare coverage, like deductibles, copayments and coinsurance | You pay a deductible, coinsurance and copays, the amount you pay varies by plan |
Limited and unlimited costs |
Annual out-of-pocket costs are limited - the amount varies by plan | There is no dollar limit on your out-of-pocket costs | Some plans have annual out-of-pocket limits | Costs are not fully limited. When you reach your catastrophic limit, you pay a percentage of the costs |
Accessing doctors |
You’re often restricted to doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network with limited exceptions | You can visit any doctor or healthcare provider that accepts Medicare | You can visit any doctor or healthcare provider that accepts Medicare | Not applicable |
Prescription drugs |
Most plans include some prescription drug coverage | Prescription drugs are generally not included | Not included. You would need to enroll in a separate, stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan | Helps you manage the cost of your prescription drugs. Available with Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage |
Specialist referrals |
You may need a referral to see a specialist. You'll pay more to see one outside of the provider's network. | No need for referrals: you can see any specialist that accepts Medicare | You can see any specialist that accepts Medicare | Not applicable |
Travel |
Generally you are covered in the plan’s service with limited exceptions | You are covered in any state as long as you visit a provider that accepts Medicare | Covered in any state and some plans will cover you for foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | Not applicable |
Additional benefits |
Most plans include dental, hearing and vision | No additional benefits | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Penalties |
There are no penalties with a Medicare Advantage plan, but you must sign up to Original Medicare Part B when you first become eligible. | There can be penalties if you don’t sign up when you’re first eligible | You may be charged more or have coverage turned down if you didn't buy a plan when you first become eligible | You'll have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you don't enroll when you first become eligible |
Good to know |
You need to enroll in Original Medicare before you can enroll in Medicare Advantage | Includes Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), you need to enroll in Original Medicare to access any other option | There are 10 standardized plan types available in most states. Each plan type provides a different level of coverage | This coverage is also called Medicare Part D, and can be paired with Original Medicare and is usually included as part of a Medicare Advantage plan |
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