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Medicare 101

Medicare explained one piece at a time.

Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger people who qualify. Its four parts — A, B, C and D — handle different pieces of health and prescription coverage.

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One important distinction: Medicare is federal, but private plan availability, costs, provider networks and benefits can vary by ZIP code.

This course is educational and does not recommend or enroll you in a specific Medicare plan.

Medicare 101 FAQ

A few more common Medicare questions

Medicare is federal health insurance mainly for people age 65 and older. Certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease, can also qualify.
Medicare has four parts. Part A is hospital insurance, Part B is medical insurance, Part C is Medicare Advantage, and Part D is prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is separate from the four parts and works alongside Original Medicare.
Part A is hospital insurance. It helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Part B is medical insurance. It helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and preventive services. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, and the amount can vary based on income.
Medicare Advantage is a way to get your Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage and extra benefits.
Part D is prescription drug coverage offered through private insurers. It helps lower the cost of medications and works alongside Original Medicare, or can be built into a Medicare Advantage plan.
Original Medicare is Part A plus Part B, and lets you visit any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative, usually tied to a local provider network, that often bundles in drug coverage and extra benefits.
Not everyone does. Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to help cover costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Medicare doesn't pay. Whether it makes sense for you depends on your health, budget, and how you prefer to manage costs — a licensed agent can walk through the tradeoffs with you.
Yes. Original Medicare is federal, but private Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are offered by service area. Plan availability, premiums, provider networks, formularies, and extra benefits can vary by location. That is why your ZIP code is an important starting point when comparing private Medicare plan options.
Medicare is mainly for people age 65 and older. Certain younger people with qualifying disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease can also qualify. Eligibility and enrollment timing can depend on your individual situation.
For many people turning 65, the Initial Enrollment Period is the first Medicare enrollment window to understand. If you are working past 65 or covered through an employer plan, your timing may be different, so it is important not to assume everyone should enroll at the same time.
Medicare costs can include premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. What you pay depends on the parts of Medicare you use, your income in some cases, and whether you choose additional private coverage such as Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap.

How Medicare Fits Together

Start with the structure, then compare the details.

Medicare offers different paths for health coverage, but choosing the right one starts with a solid foundation. Start here to learn the basics of Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. Understanding how the pieces fit together is the essential first step before you map out your custom coverage blueprint.

Path 1

Original Medicare

Original Medicare is Part A plus Part B. You can add a stand-alone Part D plan for prescription coverage, and some people also choose Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) to help with certain out-of-pocket costs.

Path 2

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is another way to receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan. Many plans include Part D prescription coverage and may include additional benefits.

Independent Medicare Guidance

Built by people who work with Medicare every day.

Medicare 101 was created by Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits to make the basics easier to understand before you compare coverage. Our licensed advisors help people sort through Medicare choices without the call-center feel.

David Scallion, founder and licensed Medicare advisor at Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits
Founder · Content Review

David Scallion

Founder and licensed Medicare advisor. David reviews the educational approach and keeps Medicare 101 focused on clear, practical explanations rather than sales jargon.

Gina Chandler, licensed Medicare advisor at Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits
Licensed Medicare Advisor

Gina Chandler

Helps clients understand Medicare coverage choices and how plan details can differ based on where they live and what matters most to them.

Danny Rodriguez, licensed Medicare advisor at Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits
Licensed Medicare Advisor

Danny Rodriguez

Works with Medicare clients across multiple markets and helps translate plan details into straightforward, everyday language.

Lehigh Partners Senior Benefits is an independent insurance agency. We do not represent every plan available in every area.

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Medicare 101 Complete

Your Next Step

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You’ve learned the basics! Now share a few details about your priorities so a licensed local advisor can map out your personal Medicare options.

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