A simple guide to getting started with Medicare

You don’t need to learn every Medicare rule at once. Begin with the pieces that give the rest of the conversation a shape.

The basic building blocks.

Original Medicare includes Part A, generally associated with hospital coverage, and Part B, generally associated with medical and outpatient services. From there, people may consider different ways to receive coverage or help with certain costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

A private-plan option for receiving Part A and Part B benefits. The details depend on a particular plan, including networks, benefits, and coverage rules.

Prescription drug coverage (Part D)

Part D plans help cover prescription drugs. Check your actual prescriptions and pharmacy preferences against current plan information rather than relying on a general description.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Supplement policies work with Original Medicare and can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs. They are separate from Medicare Advantage plans.

Start with your own questions.

Make a list of your doctors, medicines, preferred pharmacies, and how you like to receive care. Ask which enrollment period applies to you, then verify the answer against current official guidance. A conversation with a licensed professional can help you make sense of the choices without rushing to a conclusion.

Where to go with your next question