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 |
Got questions?
Call a licensed sales agent at
877-406-1753 or TTY 711
Mon – Fri 5am – 6pm PT | Sat 5am – 5pm PT | Sunday Closed
We have more than 300 dedicated and licensed sales agents on hand to help you through every step on the journey to the right Medicare plan for you.
Whether you’re new to Medicare or someone experienced in choosing a plan, our supportive, knowledgeable team can help.
Find a plan
Get plan recommendations
Compare your current Medicare plan to our recommendations – then choose the plan that gives you more of the things you want.
MedicareBenefits.com, a website owned by National General Insurance Company, markets products underwritten by National Health Insurance Company. National General Insurance Company and National Health Insurance Company are related companies under National General Holdings Corp.
www.MedicareBenefits.com contains information about and access to insurance plans for Medicare beneficiaries, individuals soon eligible for Medicare and those advising on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Benefits Solutions, is a brand operated by HealthCompare Insurance Services, Inc., a licensed health insurance agency certified to sell Medicare products. Medicare Benefits, www.MedicareBenefits.com is a non-government website, and is not endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or any other government agency.
Participating sales agencies represent Medicare Advantage [HMO, PPO, and PFFS] organizations that are contracted with Medicare. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal.
HealthCompare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently it represents 18 organizations, which offers 52,101 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
