Topics

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.

Try the tool: Medicare Cost Estimator →

Guides

All articles

Medicare Basics

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.

Medicare Basics

Your Medicare Turning-65 Checklist: Navigating Your Options

Navigating Medicare at 65? Use our comprehensive checklist to understand enrollment periods, Part A, B, C, D, costs, and your coverage options to make informed decisions.

Medicare Basics

Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D — What They Actually Cover

Confused by Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D? This plain-language guide breaks down exactly what each part covers, what it costs, and common misconceptions.

Medicare Basics

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.