Medicare Guidance
Medicare, without the confusion
Understand how the parts of Medicare fit together so you can review what's available and choose with confidence.
The parts of Medicare
Plan availability, benefits, provider networks, formularies, and costs vary by plan and location.
Original Medicare
The federal program made up of Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage). You can generally see any provider that accepts Medicare. Most people pay a premium for Part B.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Private plans offered by Medicare-approved insurance companies that provide your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, typically with their own networks and rules. Many bundle prescription drug coverage and extras like dental or vision.
Medicare Part D
Stand-alone prescription drug coverage you can add to Original Medicare to help with medication costs. Each plan has its own formulary, so it helps to check your prescriptions against it.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Private plans that work alongside Original Medicare to help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs it leaves to you, like copayments and deductibles. You keep Original Medicare and your choice of Medicare-accepting providers.
Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
Specialized Medicare Advantage plans designed for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, where available. Eligibility and plan availability vary by state and plan.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
They solve the same problem — Medicare's out-of-pocket costs — in very different ways.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Works alongside Original Medicare
- Generally use any provider that accepts Medicare
- Helps pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
- Prescription coverage added separately via Part D
Medicare Advantage
- Provides your Part A & Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan.
- Plan networks, referrals, and rules may apply
- Often bundles Part D and extras like dental or vision
- You still pay your Part B premium
Please note
This is general educational information, not an offer of coverage. SterlingMayo provides independent insurance guidance and does not represent every Medicare plan or carrier. Plan availability, benefits, provider networks, formularies, and costs vary by plan and location and may change. We help you compare options available in your area; we don't guarantee any specific benefit, cost, or provider arrangement.
Sorting through Medicare options?
We'll explain the choices available in your area in plain language and help you compare them side by side.