Medicare at a Glance — The Four Parts
| Part | What It Covers | 2026 Cost | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A — Hospital | Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice | $0 (if 40+ quarters) | Auto-enroll or apply at SSA.gov |
| Part B — Medical | Doctor visits, outpatient, preventive care | $185/mo | Enroll during IEP |
| Part C — Advantage | All-in-one alternative to A+B | $0–$80/mo | Choose plan separately |
| Part D — Drugs | Prescription drug coverage | $46/mo avg | Choose plan at Medicare.gov |
First Year on Medicare — What to Do
Free Medicare Benefits You Should Use
- Annual Wellness Visit: Free under Part B — health review, personalized prevention plan, cognitive screening
- Preventive screenings: Mammograms, colonoscopies, diabetes screenings, cardiovascular screenings — covered at 100% when billed as preventive
- Welcome to Medicare visit: Free comprehensive physical in your first 12 months of Part B
- Telehealth: Expanded permanently since 2023 — see your Medicare provider via video from home
- Chronic disease management: Programs for diabetes, heart disease, COPD at no additional cost
Frequently Asked Questions
With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare — about 93% of all US physicians. With Medicare Advantage, you must use network providers except for emergencies. Before joining a Medicare Advantage plan, verify your current doctors are in-network using the plan's provider directory.
Apply for Medicare Savings Programs — federal/state programs that help low-income beneficiaries pay Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Extra Help assists with Part D drug costs. Contact your State Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE for a benefits eligibility check.
Original Medicare generally does NOT cover healthcare outside the US. Some Medigap plans (Plans D, G, M, N) cover 80% of foreign emergency care after a $250 deductible, up to $50,000 lifetime limit. Medicare Advantage plans typically do not cover international care except emergencies. Seniors who travel internationally should consider a travel health insurance policy.