Medicare 101
New to Medicare? Start here. Medicare has four parts — A, B, C, and D — and two main ways to put them together. Here are the basics in plain English.
The four parts of Medicare
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health. Usually premium-free if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for about 10+ years.
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Has a standard monthly premium ($202.90 in 2026) that rises with higher income (IRMAA).
Part C — Advantage
A private all-in-one alternative that bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D, often with extras like dental or vision. You use the plan’s network.
Part D — Drugs
Prescription drug coverage through a private plan. Out-of-pocket for covered drugs is capped at $2,100 under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The two main coverage paths
Path 1 — Original Medicare + Medigap (+ Part D)
Original Medicare (Parts A & B), plus a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to cover most out-of-pocket costs, plus a stand-alone Part D drug plan. Predictable costs, any Medicare provider nationwide.
Path 2 — Medicare Advantage (Part C)
A single private plan bundling A, B, and usually D, with a network and copays as you go. Often low or $0 premium, sometimes with extra benefits.
Not sure which path fits? That’s the main decision, and it depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel, and budget. See our Plan G vs Plan N tool, or just ask Brian.
All Medicare 101 guides
The Moab Medicare Guide: Everything in One Place
A plain-English overview of Medicare for Moab and Grand County, Utah — the four parts, your two coverage paths, costs, and when to enroll.
Read guideWhat Is Medicare? A Simple Explanation for Grand County
Medicare explained simply for Moab & Grand County, UT — who it's for, what it covers, and how the parts fit together.
Read guideMedicare vs Medicaid: What's the Difference?
Medicare vs Medicaid explained for Moab & Grand County, UT — how they differ, who qualifies, and what 'dual-eligible' means.
Read guideMedicare Eligibility: Are You Eligible Yet?
Who's eligible for Medicare and when, explained for Moab & Grand County, UT — age 65, disability pathways, and work-history rules.
Read guideMedicare Enrollment Periods Explained
Every Medicare enrollment window explained for Moab & Grand County, UT — Initial, Annual, Open, and Special Enrollment Periods, and which one applies to you.
Read guideHow to Enroll in Medicare (Step by Step)
A step-by-step guide to enrolling in Medicare for Moab & Grand County, UT — when to sign up, where, and how to pick the right coverage.
Read guideUnderstanding Medicare Part D (Drug Coverage)
Medicare Part D explained for Moab & Grand County, UT — how drug plans work, the $2,100 cap, formularies, and avoiding the late penalty.
Read guideWhen to enroll
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window — the three months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after. Enrolling in the three months before usually means coverage starts with no gap. Miss your window without other creditable coverage and Part B and Part D late penalties can apply for life.
Still have questions?
Ask a local Moab advisor — it’s free, and there’s no pressure to enroll.