About The 4 Parts of Medicare, Including Medicare Part D

You can make an informed decision when you understand how Medicare works. Let’s explore more information on the four parts of Medicare below.

What is Medicare and Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is one of four parts that make up the Medicare program. Understanding the basics how each Medicare part works can help you choose the right Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Medicare’s 4 Parts

Medicare Part What it Covers Description of Coverage
Part A
Hospital Coverage
  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Inpatient stays at most skilled facilities
  • Home health and Hospice care
Part B
Medical Coverage
  • Doctor and clinical lab services
  • Outpatient and certain preventive care
  • Screenings, surgical fees and supplies
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Limited outpatient prescription drugs
Part C(Medicare Advantage)
Combines Part A and Part B, and may include Part D 		A different way of getting Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage plans (MA) combine Part A and Part B together in one plan. MA plans can also be combined with a Part D prescription drug benefit for complete Medicare coverage, called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans. Generally, these Medicare Advantage plans are offered as:
  • Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
  • Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
  • Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
Part D
Prescription Drug Coverage (PDP) 		Available as stand-alone coverage, and also as a prescription drug benefit added to a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD).

Medicare’s 4 Parts

  • Medicare Part

  • What it Covers

  • Description of Coverage

  • Part A

  • Hospital Coverage
    • Inpatient hospital care
    • Inpatient stays at most skilled facilities
    • Home health and Hospice care
  • Part B

  • Medical Coverage
    • Doctor and clinical lab services
    • Outpatient and certain preventive care
    • Screenings, surgical fees and supplies
    • Physical and occupational therapy
    • Limited outpatient prescription drugs
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage)

  • Combines Part A and Part B, and may include Part D
  • A different way of getting Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage plans (MA) combine Part A and Part B together in one plan. MA plans can also be combined with a Part D prescription drug benefit for complete Medicare coverage, called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans. Generally, these Medicare Advantage plans are offered as:
    • Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
    • Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
    • Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
  • Part D

  • Prescription Drug Coverage (PDP)
  • Available as stand-alone coverage, and also as a prescription drug benefit added to a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MA- PD).

Comparing Medicare Part D Drug Plans

Whether you're new to Medicare, or already enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, we're here to help you when it comes to evaluating Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.