Some Medicare parts are optional. Part C (Medicare Advantage) packages Medicare coverage to provide services similar to Parts A and B. You must enroll in Parts A and B to choose Part C coverage.
You may also receive Part D prescription drug coverage depending on your plan’s covered services. Part D provides prescription drug coverage and is available through Medicare-approved private organizations.
Medigap provides an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), but this coverage is not provided by the federal government. If you choose Medigap coverage, you’ll work with a private insurance company.
Medigap plans are standardized, and you can choose from 10 different plans covering various combinations of healthcare benefits. Before choosing a Medigap plan, you must have Part A and B coverage. Medigap plans may help pay Part A and B deductibles, co-insurance and other out-of-pocket healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare.