Your Complete Medicare Guide
Every Medicare Plan, Explained Simply.
From hospital stays to prescriptions to dental — here's exactly what each part covers, what it costs, and who it's right for.
Hospital Insurance
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people pay $0 in premiums if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Typical Cost
$0 premium for most enrollees. $1,788 deductible per benefit period (2027).
Best For
Everyone on Medicare — it's the foundation of your coverage.
What's Covered
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility care (after qualifying hospital stay)
- Hospice care
- Home health services (limited)
- Blood transfusions (after first 3 pints)
Not Covered
- Outpatient doctor visits
- Prescription drugs
- Dental, vision, or hearing
- Long-term custodial care
Medical Insurance
Part B covers medically necessary services like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. You pay a monthly premium regardless of work history.
Typical Cost
$209.50/month standard premium (2027). $292 annual deductible. 20% coinsurance after deductible.
Best For
Everyone on Medicare — pairs with Part A to form Original Medicare.
What's Covered
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Outpatient surgery and procedures
- Preventive screenings and vaccines
- Mental health services
- Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers)
- Ambulance services
Not Covered
- Prescription drugs (covered by Part D)
- Routine dental, vision, and hearing
- Cosmetic procedures
- Acupuncture (most cases)
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. They bundle Parts A and B — and usually Part D — into one plan, often adding dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits. Plans vary significantly by carrier and location.
Typical Cost
Many plans have $0 premium. Out-of-pocket maximums protect against catastrophic costs. Copays vary by plan.
Best For
Seniors who want bundled coverage with extra benefits and are comfortable with a network-based plan.
What's Covered
- Everything Original Medicare covers
- Often includes Part D drug coverage
- Routine dental, vision, and hearing (most plans)
- Fitness benefits (SilverSneakers, etc.)
- Transportation to medical appointments (some plans)
- Over-the-counter allowances (some plans)
Not Covered
- Coverage outside the plan's network (except emergencies)
- Benefits vary widely — always verify your plan
- May require referrals for specialists
Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D plans are offered by private insurers and help cover the cost of prescription drugs. Each plan has a formulary (list of covered drugs) and a tier structure that determines your cost-sharing. Enrolling when first eligible avoids a permanent late-enrollment penalty.
Typical Cost
Average premium ~$35/month (2027). Annual deductible up to $700. Prescription cost vary by plan and drug tier.
Best For
Anyone on Original Medicare who takes prescription drugs — and those on Medicare Advantage without drug coverage.
What's Covered
- Brand-name prescription drugs
- Generic prescription drugs
- Specialty medications (tier-dependent)
- Vaccines not covered by Part B
Not Covered
- Over-the-counter medications
- Drugs not on the plan's formulary
- Vitamins and supplements
Medicare Supplement Plans
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans are sold by private insurers to cover costs Original Medicare doesn't — like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Plans are standardized by letter (Plan G, Plan N, etc.), so the same plan letter offers identical benefits regardless of insurer. You pay only the premium.
Typical Cost
Premiums vary by plan letter, age, location, and insurer. Plan G averages $100–$200/month. No copays or deductibles after premium (Plan F/G).
Best For
Seniors who want predictable costs and freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide.
What's Covered
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance or copayments
- Blood (first 3 pints)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (Plan G, C, F)
- Foreign travel emergency (Plans C, D, F, G, M, N)
Not Covered
- Prescription drugs (need separate Part D plan)
- Dental, vision, or hearing
- Long-term care
- Private-duty nursing
At a Glance
Side-by-Side Plan Comparison
See how each Medicare option stacks up across the factors that matter most.
| Feature | Part A | Part B | Advantage | Part D | Medigap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $0 (most) | ~$209 | $0–$100+ | ~$55 | $100–$300 |
| Deductible | $1,788/period | $292/year | Varies | Up to $700 | $0 (Plan G) |
| Hospital Coverage | Yes | No | Yes | No | Fills gaps |
| Doctor Visits | No | Yes | Yes | No | Fills gaps |
| Prescription Drugs | No | No | Usually yes | Yes | No |
| Dental / Vision | No | No | Often yes | No | No |
| Network Required | No | No | Yes | Pharmacy network | No |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | None | None | Yes (protected) | $2,400 (2027) | Near $0 (Plan G) |
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