Part A: Hospital Insurance
What it covers:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facility care (short-term)
- Hospice care
- Some home health care
What you'll pay in 2026:
- Premium: $0 for most people (if you or your spouse worked 10+ years)
- Deductible: $1,736 per benefit period
- Coinsurance: Days 1–60: $0 • Days 61–90: $434/day • Days 91+: $868/day (lifetime reserve days apply)
Why it matters: Part A helps cover big medical events — like surgeries or long hospital stays — that could otherwise cost thousands out of pocket.
Part B: Medical Insurance
What it covers:
- Doctor visits
- Outpatient services (like lab tests and X-rays)
- Preventive services (like flu shots and cancer screenings)
- Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs)
What you'll pay in 2026:
- Premium: Starts at $202.90/month (can be higher based on income)
- Deductible: $283/year
- Coinsurance: Usually 20% of approved services
Why it matters: Part B helps with the day-to-day care you're more likely to use — like seeing your doctor or getting tests done.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
What it covers:
- Includes everything in Parts A and B
- Often includes Part D (drug coverage)
- May add extras like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships
What you'll pay in 2026:
- Premiums: Some plans are $0/month (you still pay the Part B premium)
- Out-of-pocket costs: Varies by plan but must have an annual limit
Why it matters: Medicare Advantage plans are private alternatives to Original Medicare. They bundle coverage into one plan and often include extras not covered by Parts A or B.
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
What it covers:
- Prescription medications
- Drugs grouped into tiers (generics usually cost less)
What you'll pay in 2026:
- Premium: Varies by plan and location
- Deductible: Up to $615 in 2026, depending on the plan
- Copays/Coinsurance: Based on your specific drugs and plan
- Out-of-Pocket Cap: New for 2026 — your yearly out-of-pocket spending is capped at $2,100
Why it matters: Original Medicare doesn't cover prescriptions. Part D helps pay for your medications, which can be a big part of your health care costs.
Quick Comparison: Medicare Parts at a Glance
| Medicare Part | What It Covers | Who Offers It | Includes Drug Coverage? | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital stays, skilled nursing | Federal government | No | Usually $0 |
| Part B | Doctor visits, outpatient care | Federal government | No | Starts at $202.90 |
| Part C | All of A & B, usually D + extras | Private insurance | Usually | Varies, some as low as $0 |
| Part D | Prescription drugs | Private insurance | Yes | Varies by plan and location |
Do You Need All the Parts?
You don't have to enroll in every part. The right mix depends on your health needs and budget.
- If you want basic coverage, Parts A and B (Original Medicare) may be enough.
- If you want prescription coverage too, you'll need Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it.
- If you want one plan that includes everything, consider Part C (Medicare Advantage).
How Everstone Insurance Services Can Help
Understanding the parts of Medicare is a big first step. But choosing the best coverage for your needs? That's where we come in. We take the time to explain your options in plain language and help you make a confident choice — without pushing you into something that's not right for you. We're here to make Medicare easier.