Interactive Medicare lesson · about 10 minutes
Medicare is a set of parts—not one complete plan.
Start with what each letter does. Then see the two common ways people combine the pieces, what each path may cost, and what can still be left uncovered.
Not yet 65?See workplace and retiree plans, COBRA, ACA Marketplace insurance, Medicaid, and CHIPOne letter at a time
What job does each part perform?
Select a letter. The plain-English view separates what it generally covers from the important costs or services it can leave behind.
Care when you are formally admitted to a hospital, plus limited skilled nursing, hospice, and some home healthcare.
2026 cost starting point: Most people pay no monthly premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough. A hospital deductible and daily charges can still apply.
Usually helps pay for
- Inpatient hospital care
- Limited skilled nursing after qualifying care
- Hospice
- Some home healthcare
Do not assume it pays for
- Doctor services during many visits
- Most outpatient care
- Most prescriptions taken at home
- Ongoing help with bathing, dressing, or daily living
i Why is Part C different from the other letters?
Part C is not another benefit stacked on top of Parts A and B. It is a private-plan way to receive your Part A and Part B benefits. You must remain enrolled in Parts A and B and keep paying the Part B premium. Most Part C plans include drug coverage, but the network, approvals, copays, drug list, and yearly limit are plan-specific.
2026 reference figures
Use the official plan documents for the final numbers.
Federal amounts and rules can change each year. Local Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and drug-plan prices vary by person, ZIP code, plan, and covered medicines.