Medicare Part A vs Part B Explained
Part A covers hospital inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium (the standard 2026 premium is $185/month, though it may be higher for higher-income beneficiaries under IRMAA).
Part A and Part B together are Original Medicare. Understanding what each covers is the foundation before you choose Medicare Advantage or a Medigap + Part D path. Integrity Health Solutions walks Tampa Bay clients through these basics at no cost.
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Medicare Part A — hospital insurance
Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care (under specific conditions), hospice, and some home health services. Most people do not pay a Part A premium if they have enough work credits.
Part A still has deductibles and coinsurance for many hospital stays. That is one reason people add Medicare Advantage or Medigap.
Medicare Part B — medical insurance
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. You generally pay a monthly Part B premium. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay more under IRMAA.
If you delay Part B without creditable employer coverage, you can face lifelong late enrollment penalties. Timing matters — especially around age 65.
What comes after A and B?
Once you have Part A and Part B (or are enrolling), you decide how to get benefits day to day: Medicare Advantage, or Original Medicare with Medigap and usually Part D for drugs. We help you compare those next steps for your Florida county.
Next steps for new Medicare beneficiaries
- Confirm your Part A and Part B effective dates
- Decide whether employer coverage lets you delay Part B
- Compare Advantage vs Medigap for your doctors and drugs
- Schedule help: go.integrityhealth.solutions · 727-348-0589
Related coverage pages
Schedule with Jill · Coverage Review · Turning 65 IEP · Advantage vs Supplement · Turning 65 checklist
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?
Part A covers hospital inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium (the standard 2026 premium is $185/month, though it may be higher for higher-income beneficiaries under IRMAA).
When should I enroll in Medicare?
The best time to enroll is during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins 3 months before the month you turn 65. Enrolling in the first 3 months ensures your coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month with no gaps and no late enrollment penalties.
Do I need both Part A and Part B?
Most people who want full Original Medicare coverage enroll in both. Medicare Advantage plans generally require Part A and Part B. We will confirm what applies to your situation.
How do I get free help understanding Part A and Part B?
Schedule with Jill at go.integrityhealth.solutions or call 727-348-0589. There is no cost to the client.