October 4, 2024 · 12 min read
What Medicare Covers for Free and What You Pay For
Learn which Medicare benefits are free, like Part A and preventive care, which cost extra, and how Savings Programs and Extra Help lower your costs.
Medicare plans
Turning 65 or reviewing your plan? We help you compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D options in your ZIP code — at no cost to you.
Updated · Editorial standards
- Eligibility
- Age 65+ or qualifying disability
- Plan types
- Advantage, Medigap, Part D
- Cost of our help
- $0
- Annual enrollment
- Oct 15 – Dec 7
The basics
What is Medicare?
01
Part A (Hospital insurance)
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
02
Part B (Medical insurance)
Covers outpatient care, doctor's services, preventive services, and some home health care.
03
Part C (Medicare Advantage)
An alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Parts A and B and often Part D, offered by private insurers.
04
Part D (Prescription drugs)
Prescription drug coverage provided through private insurance companies.
Who it’s for
- People turning 65 in the next six months
- Anyone reviewing their plan during Annual Enrollment
- Retirees leaving employer coverage
Advantage or Supplement?
Medicare Advantage plans often have low or $0 premiums and extra benefits, but use provider networks. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cost more monthly but let you see any doctor that accepts Medicare with predictable out-of-pocket costs. We help you weigh both for your doctors and prescriptions.
FAQ
Medicare questions
When can I enroll in Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven months around your 65th birthday. Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 each year, and Special Enrollment Periods apply after certain life events.
Does Medicare cost anything?
Most people pay no premium for Part A. Part B has a standard monthly premium set each year, and private plans have their own premiums and cost-sharing.
Read more
Guides on medicare
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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