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Medicare Basics
Start here if Medicare is new to you: what each part covers, how Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage differ, and the decisions that come first.
Medicare is four programs wearing one name. Part A covers hospital stays, Part B covers doctors and outpatient care, Part D covers prescriptions, and Part C — Medicare Advantage — is a private-plan way of receiving A and B together. Every other Medicare decision builds on knowing which part does what.
Most costly mistakes at 65 are not about picking the wrong plan. They come from not knowing that a part exists, that it has its own deadline, or that it has its own bill. The guides below give you the vocabulary before you need it.
Guides
All articles
NewHow the Medicare Hospice Benefit Works
Learn about Medicare's hospice benefit, including eligibility, covered services, and your right to choose comfort care. Understand your costs and how to access support.
NewMedicare Home Health Care: What's Covered at Home?
Learn about Medicare home health care coverage, including eligibility requirements for skilled nursing and therapy, and what services are covered by Medicare at home.
NewWelcome to Medicare Visit & Part B Preventive Coverage
Learn about the one-time 'Welcome to Medicare' visit and other Part B preventive services like screenings and vaccinations, many covered at $0.
NewMedicare Away From Home: Travel Coverage in the US and Abroad
Understand how Medicare covers you when traveling. Learn about Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap for domestic and international trips.
NewMedicare Parts A, B, C, D: What Each Covers & Your Choices
Demystify Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Understand what each covers, their costs, and how to choose the right combination for your healthcare needs.
Hospital Observation vs. Admission: Your Nursing Home Bill
Understand how hospital admission status (inpatient vs. observation) impacts Medicare coverage for your hospital stay and skilled nursing facility bills.
What Medicare Part B Covers: Doctor Visits and More
Learn what Medicare Part B covers, including doctor visits, preventive care, medical equipment, and its associated costs like premiums and deductibles.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing: Original Medicare vs. Advantage Coverage
Understand how Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover routine dental, vision, and hearing services. Learn what's covered and what your options are.
Starting Medicare: Essential Steps for Your First Month
Starting Medicare? Learn the three essential steps new beneficiaries should take in their first month to confirm coverage, choose plans, and understand costs.
What Medicare Doesn't Cover (And What to Do About It)
Medicare has real coverage gaps — dental, vision, hearing, long-term care, and more. Learn what's excluded and the options available to fill those gaps.
Watch
2:31Hospital Status: Observation vs. Admitted & Your Nursing Home Bill
2:34Home Health Care: Who Qualifies & What Medicare Covers?
2:29Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, & Hearing? Original Medicare vs. Advantage
2:55Hospital Status: Observation vs. Admitted, Your Nursing-Home Bill
3:04Home Health Care: Who Qualifies? What Medicare Covers at Home?
1:44Medicare Hospice Benefit: How it Works, Coverage, & Your Rights
2:10Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare? Options When Your Physician Opts Out
1:27Welcome to Medicare visit: Part B preventive care explained
1:51Medicare Travel: US and International Coverage Questions Answered
1:40What Medicare Part B Covers: Doctor Visits, Outpatient Care, & More
1:23First Month with Medicare: 3 Essential Steps for New Beneficiaries
0:39What Medicare Part B Covers for Doctor Visits & Outpatient Care?
0:47Starting Medicare: 3 Essential Steps for New Beneficiaries
1:31New to Medicare? Essential First Steps for Beneficiaries
1:17Medicare Parts A, B, C, D Explained: Your 60-Second Map to Coverage
1:16Medicare vs. Medicaid: Understanding Key Differences & Eligibility
2:21Turning 65? Your Comprehensive Medicare Enrollment Checklist Explained
0:39Starting Medicare: 3 Essential Steps for New Beneficiaries
0:32Turning 65? Your Comprehensive Medicare Enrollment Checklist Explained
1:24Medicare Parts A, B, C, D: Understanding Your Coverage Options
1:073 Essential Steps for New Medicare Beneficiaries: Understand Your Options & Coverage
2:16What are Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D explained in 60 seconds?