What are the 4 types of Medicare?

The four main types of Medicare are Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance for doctors/outpatient care), Part C (Medicare Advantage, an all-in-one private plan), and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). Most people start with Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and can add Part D and/or buy a Medigap plan, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) offers bundled benefits as an alternative.


What is Medicare Part C used for?

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, bundles hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage into one plan from private insurers, providing all Original Medicare benefits plus extras like prescription drugs (Part D), dental, vision, and hearing, often with lower costs and integrated wellness programs, offering convenience and broader benefits than just Original Medicare. 

What are the four things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • A heart valve repair or replacement.
  • An organ transplant.
  • Cancer-related treatments.
  • Dialysis services for the treatment of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)


Do I have to pay both Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage?

Yes, you must keep paying your Medicare Part B premium even if you join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, because you need Part B to be eligible for Advantage plans, and the Part B premium is a baseline cost for your Medicare coverage. You'll pay your Part B premium to Medicare and potentially an additional premium for the Advantage plan itself, plus copays/deductibles for services, though many plans have $0 premiums and include drug coverage (Part D).
 

What are four types of Medicare plans for seniors?

You can receive health coverage directly through the federal government (see Original Medicare) or through a private company (see Medicare Advantage). : Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Part A provides inpatient. Most inpatient care is covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). /hospital coverage.


What are the 4 Types of Medicare?



Which is the best Medicare plan for seniors?

  • Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.
  • Best for ratings: Aetna Medicare Advantage.
  • Best for low-cost plan availability: HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) Medicare Advantage.
  • Best for Part B Giveback: Humana Medicare Advantage.
  • Best startup: Devoted Health Medicare Advantage.


What is the Plan B for seniors?

"Plan B for seniors" usually refers to two different things: either Medicare Part B (medical insurance for doctor visits, outpatient care, equipment) or Medigap Plan B (a supplement for Original Medicare costs), but it can also mean Plan B emergency contraception, which is available to anyone, including seniors, though less relevant for pregnancy prevention in older age. Understanding these options involves knowing Medicare enrollment periods (around age 65 or retirement), what Part B covers (doctor visits, tests, DME), and how Medigap fills gaps (deductibles, coinsurance). 

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).


Is it better to have straight Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?

Neither Original Medicare nor Medicare Advantage (MA) is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your health, budget, and lifestyle, with Original Medicare offering provider freedom and MA providing bundled benefits (dental/vision) and cost predictability via an out-of-pocket maximum, but often with network restrictions. Choose Original Medicare + Medigap for nationwide access and no networks, ideal for travelers or those wanting maximum choice, while Medicare Advantage suits those wanting all-in-one coverage (including drugs/extras like dental/vision) with lower upfront costs and a cap on yearly spending, provided they stay in-network. 

What is the best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?

Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies in 2026
  • UnitedHealthcare / AARP – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G or Plan N.
  • Cigna Healthcare – Best Plan Pairing: Plan G.
  • Humana – Best Plan Pairing: Plan N.
  • Aetna (CVS Health) – Best Plan Pairing: Plan N.


What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 


Does Medicare pay for a colonoscopy?

Yes, Medicare (Part B) pays for screening colonoscopies, covering 100% of costs if your doctor accepts assignment and no polyps are found, though you pay 15% if they remove tissue (making it diagnostic); frequency depends on your risk, generally every 10 years (average risk) or 24 months (high risk). 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

What is the downside of Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) disadvantages include limited provider networks (HMO/PPO), needing prior authorizations that can delay care, geographical restrictions (poor for "snowbirds"), annual changes to costs/benefits, higher potential out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare + Medigap, and difficulty switching back if you have pre-existing conditions later, according to Investopedia, Verywell Health, and Healthline, Verywell Health, and Healthline, respectively. 


What is the donut hole in Part C?

Medicare drug plans previously had a coverage gap (also called the "donut hole"). The donut hole was a temporary limit on what the drug plan would cover for drugs.

What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?

There's no single "best" health plan, as it depends on your needs, but top providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and BCBS, offering diverse benefits like $0 premiums, extra perks, and strong networks, while Medigap (Medicare Supplement) complements Original Medicare by filling gaps, with popular carriers like AARP/UHC, Anthem, and Cigna providing standardized policies (Plans G, F, N), with personalized choices best found via your State SHIP counselor or broker. 

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Yes, you can drop your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and return to Original Medicare, typically during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (Oct 15–Dec 7) or the MA Open Enrollment Period (OEP) (Jan 1–Mar 31), though you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you move or have other qualifying life events, but be aware you'll need to get a Part D plan and might want a Medigap plan to help with costs. 


Why don't doctors like Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways. Doctors may dislike Medicare Advantage plans due to the need for prior authorization for many services, which can cause delays in treatment and increase administrative work.

What Medicare is free for seniors?

Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse's work.

How can I lower my Medicare premiums?

To lower Medicare premiums, report income drops from life events like retirement (Form SSA-44), apply for low-income help like Extra Help or Medicaid, use HSA funds for premiums, deduct premiums from taxes, switch to a cheaper Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan, or check if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through your state. 


Why is my Medicare $500 a month?

Medicare Premiums Over $500

However, if you have a higher-than-average income, your Part B premiums start going up on a sliding scale. How much extra you pay is based on the income you reported to the IRS two years ago.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their social security?

You qualify for an extra ~$144 on your Social Security check if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a "Part B Giveback" benefit, which refunds some or all of your Medicare Part B premium, appearing as extra cash in your check, but eligibility depends on living in the plan's service area and paying your own Part B premiums. The "144" figure was common when the Part B premium was around that amount, but the actual refund varies by plan and location, potentially exceeding the full premium. 

What is the disadvantage of Plan B?

The cons of Plan B (emergency contraception) include temporary side effects like nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, and menstrual changes (lighter/heavier/early/late periods or spotting). It's less effective than regular birth control, must be taken soon after unprotected sex, doesn't protect against STIs, and can be less effective with higher body weight. It also won't stop a pregnancy that's already established.
 


Does Medicare cover dental or vision?

Regular eye exams and teeth cleanings can help you stay healthy by catching issues and illnesses early. However, Original Medicare‡ does not cover routine dental and vision care. This means you'll have to pay out of pocket for routine teeth cleanings and eye exams, as well as more costly procedures and services.