Learn the basics of Medicare and Medigap

What Are the Parts of Medicare?

Medicare Part A — Hospital Insurance
Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and certain home health services.

Medicare Part B — Medical Insurance
Part B helps cover doctor and other healthcare provider services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, home health care and many preventive services.

Medicare Part C — Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare benefits. These plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and include Part A and Part B. Most also include Part D prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D helps cover prescription drugs. You can get Part D through a separate Medicare drug plan with Original Medicare or through many Medicare Advantage plans.

What About Medigap?

Medigap is not another part of Medicare.

Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly called Medigap, is private insurance that can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs when you have Original Medicare.

A simple way to remember it:

Original Medicare
Part A + Part B
→ You can add Part D
→ You may also choose Medigap

OR

Medicare Advantage
Part C
→ Provides your Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private plan
→ Usually includes Part D

What's Next?

Now that you know the basic Medicare alphabet, the next question is:

When do I need to enroll?
That's what we'll cover in Part 2: When Should I Sign Up for Medicare?

Need Help Understanding Medicare?

JLAC BeneConnect provides clear Medicare education and personal guidance to help you understand your options.

Simple Guidance. Brighter Tomorrows.

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