The Different Parts of Medicare: Medicare Enlightenment Series

Our Medicare enlightenment video series starts with a clear understanding of just what Medicare is, and how it works.

This video explains the different parts of Medicare, and the four basic parts that make it up: Part A, B, C and D. That’s hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage. Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program. It’s available to people age 65 and older, those under 65 with certain disabilities and those with end-stage renal disease.

Parts A and B make up what’s known as “Original Medicare.” They work together to provide hospital and medical insurance. Part A pays for in-patient hospital services … along with skilled nursing facility stays, home health care, hospice care and transplants.

Part B pays for doctor visits and other outpatient services, such as speech and occupational therapy, ambulance transport, home health care services, medical and lab tests, durable medical equipment and supplies, preventative care, mammograms, and pap tests.

We also discuss Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, an alternative to Medicare Parts A and B. When it comes to your hospital and medical insurance, you have a choice. You can get Parts A and B directly from Medicare or from a private insurance plan approved by Medicare.

With Blue Shield of California Medicare plans, you’re covered for Medicare with Part C. This includes everything that Medicare Parts A and B offers, as well as added benefits—like prescription drug coverage, dental coverage, vision care and more.

You can get the last part of Medicare, Part D or prescription drug coverage as a standalone plan, or included with Part C. That could be with an HMO, PPO or other Medicare plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

These four parts are the core of your Medicare insurance. That’s hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage, plus the private insurance company option. Putting these parts together determines the benefits you have.

If you have questions, you can always count on us for assistance. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Call Blue Shield of California or an authorized Blue Shield broker, attend a free Medicare information session, or visit us online.