What does Medicare Part C and D pay for?

Asked by: Lonie Schulist  |  Last update: November 7, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (72 votes)

Medicare Part C provides more coverage for everyday healthcare including prescription drug coverage with some plans when combined with Part D. A Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plan is when a Part C and Part D plan are combined. Medicare Part D only covers prescription drugs.

What do Medicare Part C and D cover?

Medicare Part C is an alternative to Original Medicare. It must offer the same basic benefits as Original Medicare, but some plans also offer additional benefits, such as vision and dental care. Medicare Part D, on the other hand, is a plan that people can enroll in to receive prescription drug coverage.

What does Medicare Parts C and D deal with?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

A type of Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that you can choose to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually also includes drug coverage (Part D). with drug coverage.

Does Medicare Part C pay 100 percent?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):

Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join. Plans also have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket. Once you pay the plan's limit, the plan pays 100% for covered health services for the rest of the year.

What is the average monthly cost of Medicare Part C?

A person with Medicare Part C pays a monthly premium in addition to the Part B deductible. Some premiums are $0, and the monthly premium varies depending on the type of plan and the coverage offered. For 2025, the average monthly premium cost for all Medicare Advantage plan types is estimated to be $17.00.

Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D (Explained)

35 related questions found

Does Medicare Part C cover dental implants?

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offer a broader range of benefits, and some may include implant coverage. However, benefits and costs differ between plans, so it's essential to review options carefully. If implants aren't covered, alternative solutions like dental insurance or discount programs can help offset costs.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

Is it a good idea to get Medicare Part C?

If you have Original Medicare and just need a plan for prescription medications, Medicare Part D is the best choice. When you require more coverage for dental, vision, or prescription drugs, Medicare Part C plans provide more options to fit your healthcare needs.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

What are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?

💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

What does Medicare Part D pay for?

Medicare drug coverage (also known as Medicare Part D) helps pay for the brand-name and generic drugs you need. It's offered to everyone with Medicare by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. You can get drug coverage 2 ways: Add Medicare drug coverage (Part D) to Original Medicare.

Do all seniors pay for Medicare Part B?

Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage. Eligibility rules for Part B depend on whether a person is eligible for premium-free Part A or whether the individual has to pay a premium for Part A coverage.

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums?

You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

To qualify for a Medicare giveback benefit, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You must be responsible for paying the Part B Premiums; you should not rely on state government or other local assistance for your Part B premiums.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

Is Medicare free at age 65?

$0 for most people (because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). If you get Medicare earlier than age 65, you won't pay a Part A premium. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”

What is the best dental insurance for seniors on Medicare?

If you're only relying on Medicare, it's a great idea to look into affordable dental plans that can help you save a lot of money.
  • Spirit Dental. ...
  • Renaissance Dental. ...
  • Denali Dental. ...
  • Delta Dental. ...
  • 5. California Dental.

Does Medicare cover vision?

Original Medicare ( Part A and Part B ) doesn't cover eye exams or other vision-related costs, except for special situations. However, some people on Medicare have options, including vision coverage through individual insurance or Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) with vision coverage.

How often will Medicare pay for a set of dentures?

How often will Medicare pay for a set of dentures? If you're eligible for Medicare and need dentures, you may want to look into Medicare Advantage or a separate dental insurance plan. Some plans cover a new set of dentures every five years. Original Medicare doesn't cover dentures.