Medicare Part A, B, C, and D: What you need to know

Medicare has four parts, and each helps pay for different healthcare expenses. Understanding what Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D cover can help you choose the coverage that's right for your healthcare needs and budget. 

While Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B are administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D are managed by private insurance companies.

Medicare is similar to the health insurance coverage you’ve probably had with an employer or an individual policy. 

• It can cover doctor visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, prescription drugs, and lab tests.
• Depending on the plan you choose, your Medicare plan can also cover dental and vision, if you like.

Here’s a brief overview of each of the parts of Medicare:

What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A (also known as hospital insurance) is a basic insurance plan that covers medical services related to inpatient hospitalization and skilled nursing care.

It is offered at low or no cost to Americans who are 65 years old and have contributed toward Social Security, as well as other qualified individuals.

What Medicare Part A covers:

• Inpatient care in a hospital
• Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility
• Hospice care
• Home health care

How much does Medicare Part A Cost in 2026?¹

If you or your spouse has worked at least 10 years in any job where you paid Social Security taxes, you do not have to pay a premium for Part A.

• Premium: $0 per month
• 2026 deductible: $1,736 for each benefit period 

The 2026 Medicare Part A premium for those who do not qualify for $0 premiums is either $311 or $565 per month, depending on how long you worked and paid Medicare taxes.

Enrollment Period for Medicare Part A

You’re eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is the seven-month period around your 65th birthday.

• Your IEP begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday.
• This includes your birth month and lasts up to three months after your birthday month. 

When you apply for Social Security benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A.

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B (also known as medical insurance) is an insurance plan that covers medical services related to outpatient and doctor care.

Part B covers medically necessary care and treatment, including:

• Medically necessary services or supplies
• Preventive services
• Clinical research
• Ambulance services
• Durable medical equipment
• Mental health services
• Getting a second opinion before surgery
• Limited outpatient medications 

How much does Medicare Part B cost?

The standard costs for Medicare Part B in 2026 are:¹

• Premium: $202.90 per month (or higher depending on your income)
• Deductible: $283
• Coinsurance: 20%²

Enrollment Period for Medicare Part B

Same as Part A: a 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday. Enrollment is automatic if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, combines the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B into one plan offered by a private insurance company. It often offers prescription drug benefits and additional services like dental and vision.

Medicare Part C plans may cover:

• Part A and Part B
• Prescription Drugs (Part D)
• Vision
• Hearing
• Dental
• Health and wellness programs

How much does Medicare Part C cost in 2026?³

• Estimated average premium: $14 per month
• Costs and coverage vary by plan and provider

Enrollment Period for Medicare Part C

You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, but you must already have Medicare Parts A and B. Enrollment is done through a private insurance company.

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage and is provided by private insurance companies.

Each Part D plan has its own list of covered drugs, called a formulary, so it's important to make sure your prescriptions are covered before enrolling. 

How much does Medicare Part D cost in 2026?

• Estimated average premium: $38.99 per month⁴
• Deductible: Up to $615 (varies by plan)³

Enrollment Period for Medicare Part D

Same 7-month Initial Enrollment Period as Parts A, B, and C. Enrollment must be completed through an insurance company.

Medicare costs at a glance 2026

Here's a quick comparison of Medicare premiums, deductibles, and key coverage details for 2026. 

When can I enroll in Medicare Part A, B, C, and D?

Medicare has several enrollment periods that determine when you can enroll in or make changes to your coverage.

Initial Enrollment Period

Most people first enroll in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period.

• This seven-month window begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month and ends three months afterward.
• During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you're eligible.

General Enrollment Period

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may be able to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B during the General Enrollment Period.

• The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. In most cases, your coverage begins the month after you enroll

Annual Enrollment Period

If you already have Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.

During this time, you can review your coverage and make changes for the following year, including:

• Switch Medicare Advantage plans
• Return to Original Medicare
• Join, switch or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Special Enrollment Period

Some people qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows them to enroll in or change Medicare coverage outside the standard enrollment periods.

• You may qualify if you lose employer-sponsored health coverage, move or experience certain other qualifying life events.

Which Medicare Part is right for me?

5 questions to help you pick the right Medicare plan

To figure out which type of Medicare coverage is right for you, it helps to review your needs each year. Start by asking yourself these five questions:

1. How much can I afford in out-of-pocket expenses?
2. Do I want to keep my current doctors and providers?
3. What prescriptions do I take regularly?
4. Will I need healthcare coverage when I travel or spend time away from home?
5. Which hospitals or clinics are most convenient for me?

Answering these questions is a great place to start. Still have questions? Call (844) 790-1120 to speak with a licensed health insurance agent or find one in your area.