Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It generally covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.

Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It helps cover services like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They combine Part A and Part B coverage, and many include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and additional benefits.

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. Costs and covered medications vary by plan.

Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies to help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.