Medicare Part B – Medical Coverage

Part B covers medical care like doctor visits, lab tests, x-rays, outpatient surgeries, and preventive services such as flu shots and cancer screenings. It also includes medical equipment like walkers or wheelchairs if they’re medically necessary. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still pay this premium.

Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage

Original Medicare doesn’t include coverage for prescription drugs, but you can get this through Part D. It’s optional, but if you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible, you may pay a late penalty later. You can get Part D through a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap)

These plans work alongside Original Medicare. When you get care from a provider who accepts Medicare, Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost, and your Supplement Plan pays the remaining 20%.
Keep in mind:

The coverage doesn’t change each year, but the cost may go up over time.

Supplement plans do NOT include drug coverage (Part D).

If you don’t sign up for a Part D drug plan when you’re first eligible, you may face a late penalty later (some exceptions apply).

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

Also called MA Plans, these are an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. They are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Plans:

• Include Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical)
• Usually include drug coverage (Part D)
• Often come with extra benefits like vision, dental, or fitness programs

You’re still in Medicare if you choose this type of plan—it’s just bundled through a private provider.