Part A is hospital insurance which includes help paying for inpatient hospital care, a skilled nursing facility, limited home health and hospice care.

Part B is medical insurance which contributes toward doctor services and outpatient care such as diagnostic tests, ambulance rides, and preventative care. Preventative care includes things like pap tests and mammograms as well as medical equipment and supplies. You will pay a premium each month for Part B. The cost will either be taken out of your social security if you are getting those benefits or you will receive a bill.

These two offerings make up what is called original Medicare. And where this can cover a significant portion of your medical insurance needs, this will not cover all of your medical costs. With the extra cost, some people want to consider how to get those additional costs covered through Medicare Parts C and D

Part C which can also be called Medicare Advantage plans. Part C includes what is covered in Medicare A and B and may help lower your costs and get additional benefits.

Part D helps you manage the costs of your prescription drugs because original Medicare did not include any coverage for this need.

While parts A and B coverage is the same across the United States, there is a large difference in the cost and coverage of parts A and B throughout America. Many healthcare providers actively work to keep those costs down by offering preventative services, provider partnerships, and wellness programs.