Janice Hodges Harvey

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers about 80% of approved medical costs — the rest comes out of pocket.
Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay that remaining 20%, but you’ll need a separate drug plan (Part D).
Medicare Advantage (Part C) combines hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage into one plan.
The trade-off? Advantage plans have provider networks — you may be limited to certain doctors or hospitals.
Choose between Original + Supplement or Advantage based on your needs for flexibility, cost, and convenience.

Medicare 101: How the Parts Work Together

Medicare Part A covers hospital care — inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and limited home health care.
It generally helps pay for your room, meals, nursing care, and medications during a covered hospital stay.
Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
You still pay deductibles and coinsurance, so it’s wise to have extra coverage (like Part B or Medigap).
Think of Part A as your foundation — it covers hospital basics, but not everything. Always know your limits.