Medicare Basics Explained Simply

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with qualifying conditions. Understanding how Medicare is structured is an important first step when exploring coverage options.

Medicare is generally divided into parts, each covering different healthcare services. Knowing how these parts work together can help individuals better understand their choices.

Parts of Medicare

Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare)

Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Together, they provide coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive services, and certain medical procedures.

Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage and may involve out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and coinsurance.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans combine Part A and Part B coverage and often include additional benefits.

Plan availability, benefits, and costs can vary by location. Licensed agents can help explain which options may be available based on individual circumstances.

Medicare Advantage plans may differ in:

  • Monthly premiums
  • Provider networks
  • Prescription coverage
  • Additional benefits
  • Out-of-pocket limits

Because these details vary by region and plan type, speaking with a licensed agent can help clarify available options.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Part D plans help cover prescription medications. Some Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage, while others do not.

Understanding prescription coverage is an important part of evaluating overall healthcare needs.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS (MEDIGAP)

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are designed to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as deductibles and coinsurance.

These plans work alongside Original Medicare rather than replacing it.

Key Considerations

Medicare Supplement plans:

  • Do not include prescription drug coverage
  • Are standardized in many states
  • May have different pricing based on age and location

Licensed agents can explain how these plans work and whether they may be appropriate based on individual needs.

Educational Purpose Only

Information on this page is provided for educational purposes only. Coverage decisions should always be made with the help of a licensed insurance professional.

Medicare Member Couple

Our Approach

  • Clear, easy-to-understand information
  • Neutral, non-promotional content
  • Access to licensed agents and recognized carriers
  • Respect for consumer choice and privacy

Get Connected

If you would like to learn more about Medicare Advantage or speak with a licensed insurance agent, you can use our platform to begin that process.

Our team facilitates connections but does not provide plan recommendations or enrollment services.

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Important:

This website may not display all data on Qualified Health Plans being offered in your state through the federal Medicare program. This is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area. To see all available data on Qualified Health Plan options in your state, Please contact Medicare.gov or 1–800–MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult https://www.medicare.gov, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

 

Calling a Licensed Insurance Agent does NOT affect your current enrollment, nor will it enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Prescription Drug plan, Medicare Supplement Plan, or any other Medicare plan. Mediplansguide.com is independent of the Medicare program and is neither associated with nor endorsed by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any other governmental agency.

 

Participating sales agencies represent Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFF organizations that are contracted with Medicare. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal.

 

Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

Enrollment in Medicare/Medicare Advantage may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

 

This website is a solicitation for Medicare insurance, Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare supplement insurance comparison services. Medicare supplement insurance is available to those age 65 or older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and in some states to those under age 65 eligible to Medicare due to disability or end stage renal disease.

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