Part A helps you cover common expenses for things such as hospital stays, hospice, home health care and even skilled nursing facility stays.

Part B is for outpatient services that are deemed medically necessary including services like doctor office visits, lab testing, diagnostic imaging, preventive care, surgeries, ambulance rides, chemotherapy and radiation, and even extensive dialysis care for people with renal failure.

Part C plans are private health plans that you can choose instead of Original Medicare. MA covers everything from Parts A and B and often covers other services like dental, vision and wellness programs.

Part D is offered by private insurance carriers who are contracted by the federal government. These plans give you lower copayments on your medicines than you would pay without Part D insurance.