Medicare Parts are divided into A, B, C, and D. Each letter designation represents a different area of medical coverage. It all begins with what is known as “Original Medicare Parts,” Hospital Part A, and Medical Part B.
Hospital Part A-
It covers an admitted hospital stay (not the Emergency Room) and skilled nursing care following an admitted hospital stay.
Medical Part B–
This is all coverage outside of an admitted hospital stay. It includes Doctor visits, Tests, Blood work, etc.
In addition to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), there is also-
Medicare Part C–
Medicare Advantage Plan- These are Health Insurance Plans provided by private insurance companies to help cover the cost-sharing associated with Original med and provide coverage for some items not covered by Original Medicare, like Dental and Vision.
Medicare Part D–
Prescription Drug Plan– Original Medicare does not cover prescription medications. Part D plans are provided by private insurers, and some Part C Medicare Advantage Plans have Part D Drug plans embedded in them.