Turning 65 comes with perks and paperwork. Senior discounts aside, Medicare is one of the biggest bonuses, and while there’s a good chance your dad’s been paying into it for most of his adulthood, the various parts can feel a bit like an ABC (and D) assortment pack. The good news? We can help make it make sense. Keep reading for the Medicare cheat sheet every care partner needs.
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The ABCDs of Medicare
Happy 65th to your dad. Instead of balloons, he’s getting a crash course in Medicare’s alphabet soup. He’s likely been paying into it for decades, but figuring out what Part A, B, C, and D actually cover? That’s where things get messier than 65 candles melting on cake. Here’s your care partner-friendly guide to what’s what.
A = Part A (Hospital Insurance)
What it covers: Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities (after a 3-day hospital admission), hospice care, and some home health services.
Cost: Usually free, if your Dad paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If not, there’s a monthly premium.
Think of it as: The safety net for hospital stays and the recovery that follows.
B = Part B (Medical Insurance)
What it covers: Outpatient doctor visits, preventive services (screenings, vaccines, annual “wellness” checkups), mental health services, lab tests, X-rays, durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds), and rehab therapies.
Cost: Always comes with a monthly premium, $174.70/month in 2024 (higher if income is higher), plus an annual deductible and coinsurance.
Think of it as: The coverage for day-to-day healthcare outside of the hospital—Dad’s regular appointments, therapies, and checkups.
C = Part C (Medicare Advantage)
What it covers: Everything in A and B, but bundled through a private insurance plan (like Humana or UnitedHealthcare). Many Advantage plans also include Part D (drug coverage), dental, vision, or hearing.
Cost: Dad still pays his Part B premium, plus often an additional premium. Costs and coverage vary by plan.
Think of it as: A choose-your-own-adventure-all-in-one plan, offered by private insurers, with perks but also fine print.
D = Part D (Prescription Drugs)
What it covers: Prescription medications. Available through private insurers either as a stand-alone plan (if you’re on Original Medicare A + B) or bundled in an Advantage plan.
Cost: Monthly premiums vary by plan. Skip it, and Pops may face lifelong penalties if you add it later.
Think of it as: The add-on that keeps prescription costs from breaking the bank.
Okay…but what about Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement)? Is it the same as Medicare Advantage? Short answer: nope.
Original Medicare (Parts A + B) covers a lot, but not everything, and those holes can get expensive fast. That’s where Medigap comes in. Think of it as the patch kit for Medicare: it helps cover the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves on the table.
Important to know: Dad can’t have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time—it’s one path or the other. Unlike Advantage, Medigap doesn’t have an annual out-of-pocket max, but most of his costs are handled once he’s got it. Translation: it won’t cover everything, but it’s designed to keep surprise bills to a minimum.
The Big Picture
Everyone gets Part A.
Most people need Part B.
Dad will choose either Original Medicare (A + B + optional D) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (C, usually with D bundled in).
Deadlines matter, miss them, and Dad could face permanent penalties (seriously). They’re the gift you don’t want to keep on giving.
Pops can’t have Medicare Advantage and Medigap coverage at the same time.
Still have questions or want to learn more?
👉 Where to start: Medicare.gov for more information. Or prefer a little human help? Use Eldercare Locator or your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for free, one-on-one Medicare counseling.
What’s Good
Helpful care-focused finds we’ve identified and researched so you don’t have to.
Caregivers need breaks.
That’s where Hilarity for Charity’s respite grants come in—covering the cost of in-home care or adult day centers so you can actually step away and breathe. You’ll need to apply, but if awarded you’ll get either 100 hours of in-home care or 24 days at a day center to use within 3 months.
It’s not free time, it’s necessary time.
