Medicare basics: what Parts A, B and D cover and why a drug plan matters

On the Council on Aging program, SHINE counselor Bill LaPrade summarized the three core parts of Medicare and why each matters for seniors deciding between original Medicare, Advantage plans and Medigap.

"Medicare Part A is hospitalization," he said, adding that "Part B covers your doctor's appointments and things like x rays, lab tests," and Part D handles prescription drugs. LaPrade repeatedly advised beneficiaries to sign up for a drug plan because late enrollment can produce a lifetime penalty based on historical average plan costs.

LaPrade also described the initial enrollment window around a beneficiary’s 65th birthday (three months before, the birthday month and three months after) and said people who are actively employed and covered by employer insurance may delay Part B without penalty. He recommended contacting Social Security (online or by phone) to enroll if needed.