What is covered by Medicare Parts A, B, and D

Part A - Hospital Insurance

Part A is often called hospital insurance because it pays for your care while you are in the hospital.  Part A also pays some of the costs if you stay in a skilled nursing facility or if you get health care at home.   Finally, Part A covers hospice care for people who are terminally ill.

Part B – Medical Insurance

Part B pays for doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care, and home health care that Part A does not pay for. It also covers these:

  • Laboratory tests, such as X-rays and blood work.
  • Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds.
  • Orthotics (devices that support your joints) and prosthetics (artificial body parts).
  • Mental health care.
  • Ambulance services. 

Medicare also covers a number of preventive services that can help you to stay healthy.

Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage

Part D helps you pay for your prescription drugs.

If you cannot pay for your prescription drugs, you may be able to get Extra Help Paying. The Extra Help is only for people with limited income and resources. If you are new to Medicare, use these 7 Simple Steps to choose a plan for the first time.

NEXT: What Medicare Costs

Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.