What are Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D?
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is an all-in-one private plan that bundles A and B (and usually D). Part D covers prescription drugs.
What does Original Medicare cover?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers most hospital and doctor care across the country. It pays roughly 80% of approved charges. You pay the rest — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — unless you have a supplement plan filling that gap.
What does Original Medicare NOT cover?
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision exams, hearing aids, or long-term custodial care. It also doesn't cover prescription drugs — that's Part D. Most people add a Medicare Supplement (with a Part D plan) or choose a Medicare Advantage plan to fill these gaps.
How is Medicare different in Washington State?
The federal rules are the same nationwide, but Washington has its own mix of carriers, networks, and Medicare Advantage plans. What's available in Pierce County may differ from King or Thurston County. Provider networks for Advantage plans are local — your doctor in Tacoma may not be in the same network as a clinic in Olympia.
How much does Medicare cost?
In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90/month. Most people pay $0 for Part A because they paid Medicare taxes through work for 10+ years. A Medicare Supplement plan in Washington typically runs $230–$350/month depending on age, plan letter, and carrier. Part D drug plans run about $20–$60/month. Some Medicare Advantage plans in Washington have $0 monthly premiums but may have copays and network rules.
The four parts at a glance
| Part | What it covers | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice | Almost everyone — usually $0/month |
| Part B | Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services | Most people enrolling in Medicare |
| Part C | Medicare Advantage — all-in-one plan from a private carrier | People who want a bundled, network-based plan |
| Part D | Prescription drug coverage | Anyone who takes prescriptions or wants to avoid the late penalty |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both Part A and Part B?
Can I keep my doctor on Medicare in Washington?
What's the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
Does Medicare cover prescriptions?
Want help making sense of it?
As a licensed Medicare advisor serving Washington State, I'll walk you through the four parts and how they fit your life — in plain English.
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