What are the four parts of Medicare and what does each cover?

Medicare has four parts. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice, and is premium-free for most people who paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services, with a standard 2025 premium of $185 a month (more if you have a high income). Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is a private all-in-one alternative that bundles A, B, and usually D, often with extra dental or vision benefits but a restricted network. Part D covers prescription drugs through private plans. Many people pair Original Medicare (A and B) with a standalone Part D plan and a Medigap supplement to cover gaps, or instead choose a single Medicare Advantage plan. Initial enrollment is the seven-month window around your 65th birthday – missing it can mean lifelong penalties.