Medicare Guide: Parts A, B, C, D

Medicare has four parts. Part A covers hospital stays — most people pay $0 premium (paid through payroll taxes). Part B covers outpatient care: $185/month in 2025, income-adjusted above $103,000 income. Part C (Medicare Advantage) bundles A+B through private insurers, often with vision/dental. Part D covers prescriptions. The coverage gap: Medicare doesn't cover long-term care (nursing homes) — that requires Medicaid or separate long-term care insurance. Enroll in Part B within 3 months of turning 65 or face a 10% premium penalty for each year you delay.