Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) offered by private companies that includes additional benefits.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare and some Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.

Original Medicare: Includes Part A and Part B and allows you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. You usually pay a fee for each service.

Medicare Advantage: Includes Parts A and B and often Part D. It is provided by private insurance companies and may offer additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing. Costs and network restrictions vary by plan.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period, from October 15 to December 7, allows Medicare beneficiaries to review, compare, and make changes to their Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans, with any changes effective January 1 of the following year.

Programs like Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help can assist with paying for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and prescription drug costs.