
What are the different types of Medicare and Medicare plans?
Part A
Covers in-patient hospital care and skilled nursing facility
Part B
Covers doctor and outpatient services and supplies
Part C
Equivalent to Parts A & B, plus additional coverage
Part D
Covers prescription drugs
Medicare Supplement
(Medigap)
Pays some costs not covered by Parts A & B
Exploring Medicare Plan Types
If one Medicare insurance plan was right for everyone, you wouldn’t need to research and compare plans. But that’s not the case. Fortunately, you do have choices when it comes to Medicare plans and coverage.
Part A
Hospital Insurance – for inpatient stays while in a hospital or skilled nursing facility
- Part A covers inpatient care, including care received while in a hospital or skilled nursing facility and, in limited circumstances, care received at home.
- You usually do not pay a monthly premium.*
- When you receive inpatient hospital care, you may pay a deductible and coinsurance, unless you have a separate Medicare Supplement plan.
*For most people receiving Social Security benefits
Part B
Medical insurance – for doctor visits and more
- Part B covers your doctor’s visits plus many outpatient services and supplies like preventive care, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment.
- This is optional coverage.
- 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 understanding government-sponsored Original Medicare is a great place to start.
Part C
Medicare Advantage – combines Parts A & B
- Part C combines all of the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A and B.
- It usually includes prescription drug coverage (Part D).
- Many plans include additional benefits like dental, hearing and vision.
- Premiums and deductibles vary by plan.
Florida Blue Medicare Advantage plans give you prescription drug coverage and additional benefits like discount and reward programs. Many plans even have a $0 premium.
Part D
Stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug plans (PDPs)
- Coverage can be purchased as a “stand-alone” prescription plan (PDP).
- Part D may be included with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).
- You may purchase a Prescription Drug plan 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.
Medicare Supplement
(Medigap)
- These plans help pay costs not covered by Parts A and B.
- Medicare Supplement plans are often paired with a Part D plan.
- Most plans allow you to choose any doctor, specialist or hospital that accepts Medicare.
The benefits provided and premium amounts depend on the plan you choose, your age, tobacco use and county of primary residence.
With our Medicare Supplement plans, we offer savings options, automatic claims filing and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why Do Many People Buy Additional Medicare Coverage?
Original Medicare does NOT pay:
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The monthly premium for Part B
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Deductibles for Original Medicare Parts A and B
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Copays for Original Medicare Parts A and B
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Prescription drugs
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Dental exams, most dental care or dentures
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Routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts
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Hearing aids or related exams or services
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Most care while traveling outside the United States
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Chiropractic, acupuncture or other alternative treatments
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The monthly premium for Part B
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Deductibles for Original Medicare Parts A and B
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Copays for Original Medicare Parts A and B
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Prescription drugs
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Dental exams, most dental care or dentures
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Routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts
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Hearing aids or related exams or services
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Most care while traveling outside the United States
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Chiropractic, acupuncture or other alternative treatments
Medicare Coverage Options

Medicare Resources
Picking the Right Plan
Now that you know about the types of Medicare plans available, you can begin to figure out which plan best meets your unique needs.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Once you’ve decided what type of Medicare plan works for you, the next step is to discover 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.
Have questions about Medicare?
Request a call from a licensed agent.
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Guides to help you understand Medicare.

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

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