Original Medicare covers two areas of your health care separately: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Part D is optional and includes prescription drug coverage.
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Part D adds prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plans are classified as Part C. These plans combine Original Medicare Parts A and B and offer additional benefits, all under one card. Most advantage plans also include Part D coverage. Advantage plans give you more coverage than Original Medicare alone.