What is Medicare?

1. Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance. This helps cover inpatient hospital stays,      skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.      Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they have worked and paid      Medicare taxes for a certain number of quarters.
2. Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance. This helps cover outpatient care, doctor      visits, preventive services, and some home health care. Part B typically      requires a monthly premium, which can vary based on your income.
3. Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans. These are private insurance plans      approved by Medicare that offer an alternative way to receive your      Medicare benefits. They often include coverage from both Part A and Part      B, and sometimes Part D (prescription drug coverage) as well. They may      offer additional benefits, such as vision or dental coverage.
4. Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage. This provides coverage for prescription      medications and is offered through private insurance plans. You pay a      separate premium for Part D, and coverage and costs can vary by plan.

Medicare is a critical program for many people, helping to reduce the cost of medical care and providing access to necessary services and treatments.