Medicare 101
Your complete, plain-English Medicare guide
New to Medicare? Start here. Medicare has four parts — A, B, C, and D. Below are the basics, then dig into any topic.
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice. Usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years.
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services. Monthly premium set by income.
Part C — Advantage
A private plan that provides your Part A and Part B benefits. Most include Part D; extra benefits vary. You must have both Part A and Part B to join.
Part D — Drugs
Prescription drug coverage is offered through standalone plans and many Medicare Advantage plans. For 2027, the standard Part D deductible is $700 and the annual out-of-pocket threshold is $2,400. Plan premiums, covered drugs, pharmacies, deductibles, and cost-sharing vary; check current plan documents.
All Medicare 101 articles
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities. See how Parts A-D fit together and where to verify coverage.
Medicare vs Medicaid
Medicare is federal insurance; Medicaid is a state-administered program with eligibility rules that vary. Some people qualify for both.
Medicare Eligibility
Most people qualify for Medicare at 65. Some younger people with disabilities qualify earlier. Here's how to know.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
IEP, AEP, and SEPs — the windows to enroll in or change Medicare, and how to avoid penalties.
How to Enroll in Medicare
A simple step-by-step for enrolling in Medicare at 65 — and how a local agent makes it painless.
Understanding Medicare Part D
How Part D drug coverage works in 2027, including the $700 standard deductible, $2,400 out-of-pocket threshold, formularies, and the late-enrollment penalty.
Medicare for Veterans
How VA health benefits differ from Medicare, with Part B enrollment and prescription-drug coverage considerations for veterans.
Medicare Costs Breakdown
Understand Medicare premiums and plan costs, including the finalized 2027 Part D deductible and out-of-pocket threshold.
Free Medicare education resource
Want to go deeper? LearnMedicare.org offers free classes and educational materials to help you understand your Medicare options.
Visit LearnMedicare.org →Getting-started questions
Is Medicare free?
Medicare is not free for most people. Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough (generally 10 years). Part B has a monthly premium. Some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 plan premium, but you generally still pay the Part B premium and may have deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Part D premiums and other costs vary by plan.
Is Medicare the same as Medicaid?
No. Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age, while Medicaid is a joint federal-state program. Medicaid eligibility categories, income and resource rules, and covered services vary by state. Some people qualify for both; contact your state Medicaid agency to confirm eligibility.
What are the main ways to get Medicare coverage?
Most people choose Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), sometimes with a separate Part D drug plan and Medigap, or Medicare Advantage (Part C), which provides Part A and Part B through a private plan and may include Part D. Costs, provider rules, and benefits vary, so compare the specific options available to you.
Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Part D covers prescription drugs. You can get Part D through a separate drug plan with Original Medicare or through many Medicare Advantage plans; covered drugs, pharmacies, premiums, and other costs vary by plan.
Related Medicare resources
- Medicare FAQ →
Common enrollment and plan questions answered.
- Enrollment periods →
IEP, AEP, OEP and SEP windows explained.
- Medigap plans →
Supplement plans by your location.
- Find help by county →
Find local guidance and ways to compare current options.
Official Medicare information: Medicare Advantage · Medigap · Part D — Medicare.gov