Part A

Commonly called "Hospital" coverage, Part A provides health coverage for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, home and hospice.  You can see any provider in the USA as long as the provider accepts Original Medicare.

Part B

Referred to as "Medical" care, Part B helps cover care from doctors, specialists and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, etc), preventative services and wellness visits

Part C

Also known as Medicare Advantage, these plans are an alternative to Original Medicare.  These plans are written through private insurance companies and bundle Part A, B and D usually under one plan.  In most cases, you can only use doctors in the plans network and will need to get prior approval from the plan to cover certain services.

Part D

Part D is the coverage part that covers the cost of prescription drugs.  Each plan has it's own formulary which is a list of medications that are covered.  There is normally a deductible that must be met prior to entering the copay phase.  Starting in January of 2025, the maximum out-of-pocket cost is $2,000 for all beneficiaries.