Medicare comes in four parts. Here is what each one covers and what it costs in 2026.
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care. Free for most people (40+ work quarters). 2026 deductible: $1,736 per benefit period.
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. 2026 premium: $202.90/month standard (more with IRMAA); deductible $283.
A private-plan alternative that bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into one plan, often with extras like dental or vision. You still pay your Part B premium. Compare it with Original Medicare in our Advantage vs Original guide.
Covers prescription medications through private plans. 2026 national base premium: $38.99. New for 2026: a $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs.
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New here? Start for $7.49 →Inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a private bundled plan that replaces how you get Parts A and B, often adding drug coverage and extras. Original Medicare is the government program (Parts A and B) you can pair with a standalone Part D plan.
No. Most people have Part A and Part B, then add either a Part D drug plan (with Original Medicare) or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
Figures on this page are verified against U.S. government primary sources: