Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital care, some skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care. Part A is premium-free for most people. Most beneficiaries do pay a monthly premium to be covered under Medicare Part B – the part that helps pay for doctors, outpatient hospital care, and some other care that Part A doesn't cover, such as physical and occupational therapy.

Part B covers doctors office visits, both primary care and specialists. You have to apply for and pay a premium for Part B. This is not part of the Medicare you pay into through payroll deduction. You are eligible to sign up for this at age 65.

You must be in Medicare A and Medicare B to be eligible for Medicare C. Medicare C is from private insurers. This will replace Medicare A and Medicare B and will add more benefits than typical Medicare A & B. It can be either an HMO (a Health Maintenance Organization), PFFS (Private Fee For Service), or a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). There are many options to what services you can receive through Medicare C, you will have the option to pick what is right for you. The Medicare site has a good book to help you choose and plan your package. (www.medicare.gov).

Medicare Part D is the prescription drug plan that is handled through private insurance sectors. This was added in 2006 to give Medicare patients a plan to cover prescription medications. You will select it either separately or as part of your Medicare C plan.

For Information Regarding Best Available Evidence Standards, please go to: www.cms.hhs.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovContra/17_Best_Available_Evidence_Policy.asp