What are the basic parts of Medicare?

THE PARTS OF MEDICARE: PART A — HOSPITAL INSURANCE: Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility, hospice, some home health; most pay no premium (earned through work history); PART B — MEDICAL INSURANCE: Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment; requires a monthly premium; PART C — MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: PRIVATE plans (HMO/PPO) that combine Part A and B (and usually D) into one plan, often with extra benefits; an alternative to Original Medicare; PART D — PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE: Optional prescription drug plans (private); MEDIGAP (Medicare Supplement): Separate private insurance to cover Original Medicare's gaps (deductibles, coinsurance) — works with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage; ORIGINAL MEDICARE = Parts A + B (+ optional D and Medigap); MEDICARE ADVANTAGE = Part C (bundled alternative); understanding the four parts of Medicare (A-hospital, B-medical, C-Advantage, D-drugs) and how they fit together is important government-programs content on the health insurance exam.