The Parts of Medicare

There are four parts of coverage: A, B, C and D. Together, Medicare Part A and Part B are often called the “Original Medicare.” With Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement Plan and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage can provide more complete peace-of-mind than Original Medicare alone.

A neighbor helping an elderly neighbor

The parts of Medicare

Part A is provided by the federal government and does not require a monthly premium if you or your spouse have paid at least 10 years of Medicare taxes during your working life. Part A covers all or a portion of the costs for:

  • Hospital care
  • Care in a skilled nursing facility
  • Hospice care
  • Home health care

Part B is also provided by the federal government and usually requires a monthly premium based on your income. In many cases the premiums can be deducted right out of your Social Security check. Part B covers all or a portion of the costs for:

  • Doctor and other health care providers' services
  • Outpatient care
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Home Health Care
  • Some preventive care services, such as your flu shots and yearly wellness visits

Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage and is offered by private insurers. They are unique in that they combine Medicare Part A and Part B Coverage into a simple all-in-one plan and generally offer more benefits and coverage than Original Medicare. Depending on your plan, many plans provide extra coverage including:

  • Over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins
  • Home medical supplies
  • Enhanced dental, vision, hearing services
  • Hearing aids and eye wear
  • Telehealth and 24/7 nurse coverage
  • Fitness programs
  • Coverage when you travel worldwide

Learn about Vermont Blue Advantage*

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage is similar to Medicare Part C in that it is offered by private insurers. Medicare Part D supplements your Original Medicare coverage and helps you pay for the cost of your prescription medications at the pharmacy or mail order.

Learn about Blue MedicareRXSM*

Once your enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Medicare Supplement Plans are offered by private insurers. These Medicare Supplemental Plans assist with the remaining costs after Medicare pays its share. Vermont Medicare Supplement Plans help cover:

  • Co-insurance
  • Co-pays
  • Deductibles

All Medicare Supplemental Plans are standardized by the federal government and have letter names, like “Plan A,” “Plan G,” and “Plan N.” This means that every company that sells Medicare Supplemental Plan A, for example, must offer the exact same set of benefits for that plan.

Medicare Supplemental Plans

*By clicking on the Vermont Blue Advantage or Blue Medicare Rx PDP links, you will leave the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont website. 

Blue Medicare Rx PDP is a joint venture between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and three other New England Blue plans in contract with the federal government.

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