November 5, 2026 - KFF Answers Medicare Questions:
I have Medicare Part A and Part B. I’ve heard about Part C and Part D, but I don’t know what those are. Do I need to sign up for those during the Medicare Open Enrollment period?
Medicare Part C plans, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, are private health insurance plans, mainly HMOs and PPOs, for people enrolled in Medicare. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare, but you get all of your Medicare-covered benefits through a private plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans also cover prescription drugs and most also cover other services, such as vision, dental, and hearing benefits. If you have Part A and Part B already, and are covered under the traditional Medicare program, you do not need to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment unless you want to get your Medicare benefits through a private plan.
Medicare Part D is the Medicare prescription drug benefit which is offered by private stand-alone prescription drug plans, sometimes called PDPs, and Medicare Advantage plans that cover drugs. If you are covered under traditional Medicare and you want drug coverage, you can enroll in a stand-alone drug plan during the Medicare Open Enrollment period. If you did not sign up for a Part D plan when you got your Part A and Part B coverage and you do not have another source of drug coverage that is at least as good as Part D coverage, be aware that you may be charged a late enrollment penalty. Once you are enrolled in a Part D plan, you can switch drug plans during the Medicare Open Enrollment period.
To learn more about the Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Part D plans in your area, you can use the Medicare coverage comparison website, a searchable tool on the Medicare.gov website. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or speak to someone at your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs offer local, personalized counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. You can call 877-839-2675 to get the phone number for the SHIP in your state.
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KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Heard There Have Been Changes To Medicare In Recent Years To Help Beneficiaries Lower Their Out-Of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs Or Spread Them Throughout The Year. How Can These Changes Help Me?
KFF Answers Medicare Questions: How Can I Compare My Medicare Coverage Options?
KFF Answers Medicare Questions: How and When Can I Switch from Medicare Advantage to Traditional Medicare? Is There a Form I Need to Fill Out? Can I Make That Change During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Want To Switch From Medicare Advantage To Traditional Medicare, But I Still Want Drug Coverage. What Do I Need To Do?
KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Am Covered By Medicare, But I Don’t Take Any Medications. Do I Need To Sign Up For A Drug Plan?
While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information in these FAQs, people should contact Medicare, Social Security, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP), or companies offering Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans and Medigap policies directly for guidance on individual circumstances.
Source: KFF
