Did you know that 68 million Americans rely on Medicare for their healthcare? It’s a federal health insurance program that covers people aged 65 and older and those with disabilities or medical conditions.
For many, it’s a lifeline that makes accessing healthcare manageable and affordable.
If you have to choose the for yourself, you should know the basics of how Medicare works and the options available. Then, you’ll be better equipped to make the right decision.
Let’s explore it step by step.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed to provide coverage for certain groups of people. It helps people get the medical care they need while keeping healthcare costs more manageable.
Who is Eligible?
Medicare is available to people who meet these criteria:
- Age 65 and older: Most people qualify for Medicare once they turn 65.
- Disabilities: If you’re under 65 and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months, you’re eligible, too.
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD): People with permanent kidney failure who need dialysis or a kidney transplant can qualify at any age.
Medicare Plans (A, B, C, and D)
Medicare is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. Every part covers different aspects of healthcare.
Here’s a quick look at what each part offers.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A takes care of the costs for inpatient care, such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care. It’s designed to help with the big-ticket healthcare expenses you might face. It also includes limited coverage for home healthcare services.
Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B focuses on outpatient care. It covers services like doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, and durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs. This part is important for managing everyday healthcare needs and staying on top of preventive measures.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. These plans combine Part A, Part B, and often Part D into one package.
Many Medicare Advantage plans also include extra perks like vision, dental, and hearing coverage. However, these plans typically require you to stick to a network of doctors and providers.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Part D is specifically designed to help cover the cost of prescription medications. The plans are offered by private insurers. They include a list of covered drugs, called a formulary, and are a useful option for those who need ongoing medication.
Medicare Costs
The best way to manage your healthcare budget is to know Medicare costs. Each of the parts mentioned above comes with its own set of premiums, deductibles, and other expenses.
Here’s what you should keep in mind.
Part A Costs
For most people, there is no premium for Part A if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. However, if you don’t qualify for premium-free coverage, you could pay up to $518 per month in 2025.
Other costs for Part A include:
- Deductible: $1,676 per benefit period in 2025.
- Coinsurance: After 60 days in the hospital, you’ll pay $419 per day (days 61–90) and $838 per day for lifetime reserve days (days 91–150).
Part B Costs
Part B requires a monthly premium, which is based on your income. In 2025, most people pay the standard premium of $185 per month, but higher earners may pay more.
Other costs include:
- Deductible: $257 annually in 2025.
- Coinsurance: Once you’ve met your deductible, you’ll usually pay 20% of the cost for most services that Medicare covers.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) Costs
Medicare Advantage plans differ in cost since they are offered by private insurance companies. Costs may include:
- Monthly premiums, which can range from $0 to higher amounts depending on the plan.
- Copayments or coinsurance for using services like doctor visits or hospital stays.
- Out-of-pocket maximums, which limit how much you’ll pay in a year for in-network care. In 2025, this limit can’t exceed $9,350.
Part D Costs
Part D premiums depend on two things: the plan you choose and your income. In 2025, the average basic premium is approximately $36.78 per month, but higher earners may pay a surcharge.
Additional costs include:
- Deductible: Up to $590 in 2025, depending on the plan.
- Catastrophic coverage: Starting in 2025, the coverage gap (also known as the donut hole) will no longer apply. Instead, once your out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses reach $2,000, you’ll enter the catastrophic coverage phase. From that point on, you won’t pay anything for covered medications for the rest of the year.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to your healthcare coverage. Both options have advantages and limitations, so knowing the differences can help you find the right fit.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B, gives you the flexibility to choose any doctor or healthcare provider that accepts Medicare. This broad access makes it a good option if you want the freedom to see specialists without worrying about network restrictions.
However, Original Medicare has its gaps. It doesn’t cover services like:
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Hearing care
- Fitness programs
- Gym membership
You’d need to either pay for these out of pocket or look into separate coverage options.
It’s also important to know that, without a supplemental Medigap policy, you could face out-of-pocket costs for things like deductibles and copayments.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage, or Part C, bundles Part A and Part B into a single plan offered by private insurers. Many of these plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage and additional benefits (dental, vision, and fitness programs).
Still, unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans often come with network restrictions. Many plans operate as HMOs or PPOs, which means you may need to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals.
While these plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs, the trade-off is less flexibility in choosing providers.
Bottom Line
And there you have it–the basics of the four Medicare plans.
Whether you’re just becoming eligible for Medicare or looking to adjust your coverage, if you take the time to review your choices, it will pay off in the long run.
Keep in mind that no two people have the same healthcare needs, so the best Medicare plan for you is the one that fits your unique situation. Take advantage of available resources, compare plans carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions along the way.
