Last fact-check: July 27, 2026 · Primary sources: Medicare.gov and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Quick answer
Part A is hospital insurance, Part B is medical insurance, Part C is Medicare Advantage, and Part D is prescription-drug coverage. Original Medicare is Parts A and B; a person can add a separate Part D plan and, where eligible, Medigap. Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative that includes Parts A and B and usually Part D.
Key takeaways
- Parts are coverage categories, not four plans everyone must buy separately.
- The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 and the deductible is $283.
- Advantage and Part D costs, networks and formularies vary by plan.
Medicare Parts A, B, C and D
| Part | Role | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital insurance | Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice and some home health care |
| Part B | Medical insurance | Doctors, outpatient care, durable medical equipment and preventive services |
| Part C | Medicare Advantage | Private Medicare-approved alternative that includes Part A and Part B coverage |
| Part D | Drug coverage | Prescription drugs through a private plan that follows Medicare rules |
Selected 2026 Original Medicare costs
| Cost | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Part A inpatient deductible | $1,736 for each benefit period |
| Standard Part B premium | $202.90 per month |
| Part B deductible | $283 for the year |
Most people do not pay a Part A premium because they or a spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough. Part C and Part D premiums and cost sharing vary by plan. Higher-income enrollees may pay an additional income-related amount for Part B or Part D.
How the pieces fit together
Original Medicare route
Start with Parts A and B. Add a separate Part D plan if drug coverage is needed. A Medigap policy can help with some Original Medicare cost sharing, but it is private supplemental insurance—not another Medicare part.
Medicare Advantage route
Join a private Medicare-approved Part C plan after having Parts A and B. The plan provides Part A and Part B benefits, usually includes Part D, and sets its network, cost sharing and authorization rules within Medicare requirements.
Do not double-enroll by assumption: Most Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage do not permit a separate Part D plan. Check the plan type and official enrollment instructions.
Related guides
- Medicare enrollment periods
- Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage
- Medigap Plan G versus Plan N
- Part B premium and IRMAA
Official sources
- Medicare — Parts of Medicare
- Medicare — Your coverage options
- CMS — 2026 Part A and Part B premiums and deductibles
- Medicare — 2026 costs
Editorial status: This guide has been checked against the cited official sources. Independent subject-matter review has not been completed. Coverage descriptions and displayed 2026 costs were checked against the linked Medicare/CMS pages on July 27, 2026. Plan-specific terms require the current plan document. The Guru Gazette is independent and is not affiliated with Medicare or any insurer.
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