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What are the different parts of Medicare?

Learn about the different parts of Medicare, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and Medicare Supplement policies.

Part A
Hospital Insurance

Original Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care.

Part B
Medical Insurance

Original Medicare Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services.

Part C
Medicare Advantage

Combines Medicare Parts A and B, plus extra benefits, like vision, hearing and dental services, and may include Part D prescription drug coverage, too.

Part D
Prescription Drug

Covers your prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).

Medicare Supplement
(also called Medigap)

Helps pay some costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B).

Explore Medicare plan types

Everyone has different health care needs. With Medicare, you have options so you can get the plan and coverage that works best for you. 

Part A - Hospital Insurance 

  • Original Medicare Part A covers inpatient care you get at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Sometimes, Part A covers care you get at home, too.

  • Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A.*

  • You may pay a deductible, copays and coinsurance for your health care, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan to help cover those costs.

    *For most people receiving Social Security benefits

Part B - Medical Insurance

  • Original Medicare Part B covers your doctor’s visits plus preventive care, ambulance services and durable medical equipment.
  • Part B is optional. You don’t have to sign up for Part B if you don’t want it.
  • You usually pay a monthly premium.

For most services, you pay a yearly deductible and coinsurance, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan.

Medicare can be confusing but getting to know how government-sponsored Original Medicare works is a great place is to start.


Learn more about Original Medicare

Part C - Medicare Advantage 

  • Medicare Advantage plans combine all of the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A and B.
  • Medicare Advantage plans usually include prescription drug coverage (Part D).
  • Many Medicare Advantage plans include extra benefits like dental, hearing and vision care.
  • Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans

Part D - Prescription Drug

  • Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage may be included with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).
  • You can also purchase a Part D prescription drug plan by itself, or in addition to a Medicare Supplement plan.
  • Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.

Florida Blue Medicare Prescription Drug plans give you access to a nationwide pharmacy network, home delivery options and $0 immunizations and vaccinations.

Learn more about Prescription Drug plans

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay for costs Original Medicare does not cover, like copays and coinsurance for the health care you receive.
  • Most Medicare Supplement plans allow you to choose any doctor, specialist or hospital that accepts Medicare.
  • Your benefits and costs will depend on the plan you choose. Medicare Supplement plans also may factor in your age, tobacco use and county of primary residence when you apply.

Learn more about Medicare Supplement plans

Why do people buy additional Medicare coverage?

People buy extra Medicare coverage to help pay costs or get additional benefits.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does NOT cover:

Prescription drugs

Dental exams, most dental care or dentures

Routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts

Hearing aids or hearing-related exams or services

Most care while traveling outside the United States

Chiropractic* care, acupuncture** or other alternative treatments

Part A and Part B deductibles and copays

*Medicare Part B only covers chiropractic services if medically necessary to correct a sublaxation.
**Medicare Part B only covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain.

Medicare Resources

Picking the right plan

Now that you know about the types of Medicare plans available, you can decide which plan best meets your needs.

Eligibility and enrollment

After you decide what type of Medicare plan works for you, find out when you will be eligible for coverage and how to enroll.

Our Medicare products

Ready to shop and enroll in a Medicare plan? We offer many choices for each Medicare plan type, so you can find one that works for you.

Call a licensed Medicare agent.

Shop for Medicare plans in your area.

Have questions about Medicare?
Request a call from a licensed agent.

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Download a Medicare education guide.

Medicare Basics Guide

Medicare Basics Guide

Florida Blue provides the information you need to choose the Medicare plan that meets your needs and budget. Download > 

Medicare and You Guide

Medicare & You

U.S. government handbook on Medicare benefits, rights, and protections, available health plans and more. Download >

Medicare Planning Checklist

Medicare Planning Checklist

Florida Blue provides a checklist with the steps you need to get started with Medicare as you approach age 65. Download >

Get ready for Medicare

Get Ready for Medicare

U.S. government handbook explaining important decisions you need to make before Medicare coverage starts. Download > 

FBM PLN 001 F 082022
Last Updated: 08.01.2022
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