Medicare Parts A, B, C & D — What Each One Actually Does

Reviewed by Virginia Barausky, CLTC, RSSA® · August 10, 2026 · figures verified against CMS.gov / SSA.gov

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Part A is hospital insurance: inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying stay, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no monthly premium for Part A because they paid Medicare taxes while working. It is not free at the point of care, though — the 2026 inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period (source: CMS.gov).

What does Medicare Part B cover?

Part B is medical insurance: doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, durable medical equipment, and preventive services. In 2026 the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month with a $283 annual deductible (source: CMS.gov). Higher-income households pay an income-related surcharge called IRMAA — see our IRMAA guide and calculator.

What is Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)?

Part C bundles Parts A and B — and usually Part D drug coverage — into one plan from a private insurer. Plans often add dental, vision or hearing benefits and may have low or $0 premiums, in exchange for provider networks and plan rules. In Hillsborough County alone there are 133 Medicare Advantage and Part D plan options for 2026 (source: CMS CY2026 Landscape), which is exactly why side-by-side comparison matters.

What does Medicare Part D cover?

Part D is prescription drug coverage, sold as a standalone plan alongside Original Medicare or built into most Advantage plans. The big 2026 number: your out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs are capped at $2,100 for the year (source: CMS.gov). After you reach the cap, covered prescriptions cost you nothing for the rest of the year.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need all four parts of Medicare?

Almost everyone takes Part A. Whether you add Part B, a Part D plan, and either a Supplement or an Advantage plan depends on your work coverage, budget, doctors and prescriptions. That combination is the actual Medicare decision.

Is Medicare Part A really premium-free?

For most people, yes — if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You still pay deductibles and coinsurance when you use care, including the $1,736 hospital deductible per benefit period in 2026.

What's the difference between Part C and a Medicare Supplement?

Part C (Medicare Advantage) replaces how you receive Original Medicare through a private plan with networks. A Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to fill its cost gaps and lets you see any provider who accepts Medicare.