Medicare Basics

Medicare coverage is often known by the part of Medicare law under which it is authorized or regulated:

• Part A is referred to as “Hospital Insurance Benefits.” Part A also covers other inpatient care, including skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and hospice. 
• Part B is referred to as “Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits.” Part B covers a broad range of outpatient services such as physician care, and drugs that are administered by physicians or other health care professionals (such as vaccines and intravenous medications).
• Part C regulates and authorizes Medicare Advantage plans, which must cover Part A (except for hospice) and Part B benefits. ▪ Individuals enrolled in a Part C plan still get hospice benefits, but they are paid for by Original Medicare.
• Part D covers prescription drug benefits (for self-administered drugs, such as those picked up at a pharmacy and taken at home) and regulates Medicare prescription drug plans.