MEDICARE · THE BASICS
Original
Medicare.
Medicare has four parts — and it’s simpler than it looks. At any given time you’ll either use Part A, B & D together, or Part C on its own. Here’s what each one does, in plain English.
The Original Medicare Program
The Original Medicare Program is currently made up of four parts. Let’s break down what each of them covers.
THE FOUR PARTS
A, B, C & D — what each covers
Hospital (inpatient)
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Usually $0 monthly premium if you paid 40 quarters into Medicare while working. A deductible applies, with your first 60 days covered before copays and coinsurance begin.
Medical (outpatient)
Covers medically necessary outpatient care — primary care, specialists, surgeries, lab work, and preventive services. Has a monthly premium (often deducted from your Social Security), an annual deductible, then an 80/20 split where you pay 20%.
Medicare Advantage
An alternative to Original Medicare, also called MA or MAPD. Offered by private insurers, it often bundles prescription coverage plus extra benefits, usually as network plans like HMOs and PPOs.
Prescription drugs
Prescription drug coverage, available as a standalone plan (PDP) or built into a Medicare Advantage plan. It’s required that you carry creditable drug coverage when you join.
TWO PATHS TO COVERAGE
Which path is right for you?
You can pair Original Medicare with a Supplement and a Drug Plan, or
choose a Medicare Advantage plan. We’ll help you weigh both.
Medicare Supplements
Original Medicare + a Supplement + a Drug Plan.
Medicare Advantage
An all-in-one alternative (Part C).
Prescription Drug Plans
Standalone Part D drug coverage.
Not sure which path fits?
That’s exactly what we’re here for — a free, no-pressure consultation to compare your options
side by side.
By submitting your information, you acknowledge a licensed insurance agent may contact you by phone, email, or mail to discuss and quote Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Prescription Drug Plan
NO COST · NO OBLIGATION
Let us be your advocate.
Tell us a little about your situation and a licensed local advocate
will reach out. It's free, and there's never any pressure to enroll.
☎ (806) 221-2070 · ⚲ 2200 W. 5th St. Suite A, Plainview, TX · ◷ Mon–Thu 9–12 & 1–5 · Fri 9–12
Sí, hablamos español
Golden Age Financial
· Life. Health. Retirement.
How we help · About Us · Services · Meet the team · Events · Reviews
Phone: 806-221-2070 | Email: cspruill@goldenagefinancial.net
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800 MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
© 2026 Golden Age Financial, LLC., All Rights Reserved.