The 4 Parts of Medicare

Medicare looks complicated until you see it as four building blocks. Each block pays for a different slice of your care, from hospital beds to prescriptions. Here is what every part does, what it costs in 2026, and how to tell which ones you need.

Part A: Hospital Insurance

What it covers

Inpatient hospital care
Skilled nursing facility care (short-term)
Hospice care
Some home health care

What you'll pay in 2026

Premium: $0 for most people (if you or your spouse worked 10+ years)
Deductible: $1,736 per benefit period
Coinsurance: Days 1-60: $0; Days 61-90: $434/day; Days 91+: $868/day (lifetime reserve days apply)

Why it matters

Part A is your safety net for the expensive events: surgeries and long admissions that would otherwise run into the thousands.

Part B: Medical Insurance

What it covers

Doctor visits
Outpatient services (like lab tests and X-rays)
Preventive services (like flu shots and cancer screenings)
Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs)

What you'll pay in 2026

Premium: starts at $202.90/month (can be higher based on income)
Deductible: $283/year
Coinsurance: usually 20% of approved services

Why it matters

Part B handles the routine side of healthcare: checkups, lab work, and the equipment your doctor orders.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

What it covers

Includes everything in Parts A and B
Often includes Part D (drug coverage)
May add extras like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships

What you'll pay in 2026

Premiums: some plans are $0/month (you still pay Part B premium)
Out-of-pocket costs: vary by plan but must have an annual limit

Why it matters

Part C plans are private bundles that wrap A and B, and usually D, onto one card, often with extra benefits stacked on top.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

What it covers

Prescription medications
Drugs grouped into tiers (generics usually cost less)

What you'll pay in 2026

Premium: varies by plan and location
Deductible: up to $615 in 2026, depending on the plan
Copays/coinsurance: based on your specific drugs and plan
Out-of-pocket cap: new for 2026, your yearly out-of-pocket spending is capped at $2,100

Why it matters

Original Medicare skips prescriptions entirely, so Part D is how most people keep their medication costs in check.

Quick comparison: Medicare parts at a glance

Medicare Part	What It Covers	Who Offers It	Drug Coverage?	Monthly Premium
Part A	Hospital stays, skilled nursing	Federal government	No	Usually $0
Part B	Doctor visits, outpatient care	Federal government	No	Starts at $202
Part C	All of A & B, usually D + extras	Private insurance	Usually	Varies, some as low as $0
Part D	Prescription drugs	Private insurance	Yes	Varies by plan and location

Do you need all the parts?

There is no rule that says you enroll in everything. The right mix follows your health and your budget.

Basic coverage can be just Parts A and B, which is Original Medicare on its own.
Want prescriptions covered? Add Part D, or pick an Advantage plan that builds it in.
Want everything on one card? That is what Part C, Medicare Advantage, was made for.

How Legacy Life Group can help

Knowing the parts is step one. Matching them to your life is where we earn our keep: plain-language explanations, honest side-by-side comparisons, and zero pressure toward anything that does not fit you. Making Medicare easier is the whole job.

No cost, no obligation

Talk to a agent today

Get a straight answer about your Medicare options from a real person. We help you compare plans from A-rated carriers, and our help is always free.

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