Orginal Medicare

Original Medicare covers hospital care (Part A), which includes inpatient stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. It also covers medical services (Part B), like doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies. However, Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing care.

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, helps pay for certain out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Depending on the specific plan, it may also cover emergency medical care when traveling outside the U.S. However, Medicare Supplement plans do not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing services.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) covers everything Original Medicare does, including hospital and medical services, but often includes extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Coverage and costs vary by plan, but Medicare Advantage usually provides more comprehensive benefits than Original Medicare alone.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs, helping to lower the cost of medications for those with Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and include a list of covered drugs (formulary) with different cost tiers. Coverage typically includes both generic and brand-name drugs, but specific medications and costs vary by plan.