Parts A and B
Original Medicare combines hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B).
Medicare guidance
Make the choices
easier to understand.
New to Medicare, leaving employer coverage or reviewing a plan? Start with the coverage paths, then look at the doctors, prescriptions and costs that matter to you.
Know the building blocks
The parts, without the alphabet soup.
Part D
Prescription coverage comes through a separate drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it. Check the exact plan.
Medicare Supplement
Medigap helps with certain out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. It is different from Medicare Advantage.
Explore Supplements →Two coverage paths
Start by understanding the difference.
Original Medicare
Parts A and B provide the core coverage. You may consider a separate Part D plan and Medicare Supplement insurance.
Review how covered costs are shared and which additional coverage, if any, is appropriate.
Learn about Medigap →Medicare Advantage
A Medicare-approved private plan provides an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. Many include drug coverage.
Check the network, prescription coverage, prior-authorization rules, costs and exact benefits for the plan and year.
Ask about your options →A more useful review
Bring priorities, not just a plan name.
- The doctors, hospitals and pharmacies you want to keep.
- A current prescription list to review through an appropriate secure process.
- Your present coverage, the change you are considering and any employer or retiree coverage.
- The date coverage may need to change and the costs you want to understand.
Timing and eligibility depend on your circumstances. Do not cancel current coverage based only on this educational page.
Good questions to ask
Before choosing a next step.
Is Medicare Supplement the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap supplements Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage is a different way to receive Medicare benefits. The terms should not be used interchangeably.
Can a plan change from one year to the next?
Yes. Review current costs, networks, covered drugs and benefits for the plan year you are considering. A prior-year summary is not enough.
Will you show me every plan?
We do not offer every plan in every area. For all Medicare options, use Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
A clear next step
Let’s put your Medicare questions in order.
Ask for a conversation about your situation, coverage path and the details to check.