Understand Medicare — in plain English
New to Medicare? Start here. The “alphabet soup” — Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap — broken into clear pieces, with local guidance built around your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and timing.
Five pieces, one coverage picture
Each part does a different job. Open any guide to see how it works — and how the pieces fit together for your situation.
Medicare Part A: hospital coverage
Part A is the “hospital” side of Original Medicare.
Read the guideMedicare Part B: medical coverage
Part B is the “medical” side of Original Medicare.
Read the guideMedicare Advantage (Part C): all-in-one plans
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. They’re an alternative to Original Medicare that bundles your coverage into one plan.
Read the guideMedicare Part D: prescription drug coverage
Part D helps pay for the medications you take. You can get it as a standalone plan (alongside Original Medicare) or built into a Medicare Advantage plan.
Read the guideMedicare Supplement (Medigap): filling the gaps
Medigap plans are sold by private insurers and work alongside Original Medicare. They help pay the out-of-pocket costs Parts A and B leave behind — things like deductibles and coinsurance.
Read the guideStart hereHow Medicare Works
The 5-minute overview that ties Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap together.
See the whole pictureThe other pieces that decide the details
Beyond the parts themselves, when you enroll and how Medicare works with other coverage can matter just as much.
How Medicare works: the basics
Medicare is federal health coverage for people 65 and older (and some younger people with certain conditions). It comes in parts, and you put them together to fit your needs.
Read the guideMedicare enrollment periods: timing matters
Medicare runs on deadlines. Miss one and you could face penalties or be stuck waiting — so here are the windows that matter, in plain language.
Read the guideMedicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid are different programs, and some people may qualify for both. A plain-English look at how they differ and what to review before making coverage decisions.
Read the guideStill have questions about how it fits together?
Reading only gets you so far. Talk with a licensed local advisor who will answer your specific questions — in plain English, with no pressure.