What is Medicaid B and C?

Asked by: Mr. Freddie Nienow PhD | Last update: October 26, 2025

Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)

There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage. Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information). Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

What is the difference between Medicaid B and C?

Medicare Part C is an all-in-one bundle that includes medical insurance, hospital insurance, and prescription coverage. Medicare Part B is one of the original components of Medicare. It covers doctor visits and outpatient services. Together with Part A, which covers hospital visits, it is called Original Medicare.

What are the four types of Medicaid?

There are four types of Medicaid delivery systems:

State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
Primary care case management (PCCM)
Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
Limited-benefit plans.

What does Medicaid Part C cover?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) has more coverage for routine healthcare that you use every day. Medicare Advantage plans may include: Routine dental care including X-rays, exams, and dentures. Vision care including glasses and contacts.

Why do I need Medicare Part C if I have?

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) combine Part A and B for comprehensive coverage that includes dental, vision, and prescription coverage if you choose. There are additional no-cost programs and services like health coaching and help managing a chronic condition. These are benefits you don't get with Original Medicare.

Medicare Part A B C D Explained (and made simple!)

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Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for almost everyone. You have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder if it's worth the monthly premium costs to sign up for Part B.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

What's the difference between Medicare Part and B and Medicaid?

What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that gives health coverage to some people with limited income and resources.

Who automatically gets part B Medicare?

If you are approaching age 65 and you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits through early retirement, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) when you turn 65.

Can you have Medicare C without B?

You can only join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or Medicare drug plan (Part D) during certain times, called enrollment periods. You need both Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) to join a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Do you pay for Medicare Part B and C?

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):

Monthly premiums vary based on which plan you join. The amount can change each year. You must keep paying your Part B premium to stay in your plan. Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join.

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).

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.

Is Medicaid Part B mandatory?

Enrollment in Part B is voluntary. Employer-based health insurance can provide an alternative to Medicare, though a person needs to consider if their employer-based insurance is the primary or secondary insurance.

Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?

People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.

Why do some people have both Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare-Medicaid enrollees include people ages 65 and over who are in relatively good health but have limited financial resources and people who at one time, may have had more financial resources, but spent their income and wealth on health or long-term care costs.

Is everything free with Medicaid?

States can impose copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other similar charges on most Medicaid-covered benefits, both inpatient and outpatient services, and the amounts that can be charged vary with income. All out of pocket charges are based on the individual state's payment for that service.

What are the downsides of Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid

One of the primary reasons for this is that Medicaid reimbursements are lower than those of commercial insurers for most procedures and treatments.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

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.

How much does Medicaid cost per month?

Amounts. Most states adjust premium amounts by beneficiary income, with approved possible charges ranging from approximately $5 to $74 per month. Four states (AR, AZ, MI, and MT) have approved waivers to require monthly premium payments as a percentage of income.

How much is Medicare Part C per month?

The average monthly plan premium for all Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which includes Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans, is projected to be $17.00 in 2025¹.