What's the difference between Medicare Part C and D?

Asked by: Dallas Stracke  |  Last update: November 28, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (61 votes)

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.

How does Medicare Part C differ from Part D?

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 is Medicare Part C used for?

Medicare Advantage (MA), also called Medicare Part C, are private insurance plans offered by Medicare-approved companies. Medicare Advantage plans provide most of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage and typically offer extra benefits such as vision, hearing and dental care.

What is the difference between parts C and D?

Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information). Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

Is Medicare Part D really necessary?

Is Medicare Part D required? No, Medicare Part D isn't a requirement. However, many people find that enrolling in a Part D plan is worth the investment. Your health can be unpredictable, so while you may not need many (or any) prescription drugs now, you may need them in the future.

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

42 related questions found

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.

How much does Medicare Part D cost?

The average estimated monthly Part D plan premium in 2025 is $46.50. Other factors can affect the cost of Part D including monthly premium, yearly deductible and copayments. High-income earners may pay a surcharge known as the “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA).

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.

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 disadvantages of Medicare Part D?

Disadvantages of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans include: Need to anticipate your prescription drug needs for the year: Part D plans differ in the types of drugs they cover. Knowing your medical situation can help you select a plan that is right for you and covers the prescription drugs you expect to need.

Is GoodRx better than Medicare Part D?

Consider using a GoodRx coupon instead of Medicare in the following situations: Your medication isn't covered by your Medicare plan. The medication costs less with a GoodRx coupon than with your Medicare copay. You don't expect to reach your annual deductible.

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.

Is Medicare Part D free for seniors?

No, Medicare Part D isn't free. But in 2025, at least one $0-premium plan is available in 43 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Most plans do have a monthly premium. And all plans have other costs beyond premiums, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles.

What happens if I refuse Medicare Part D?

If you don't sign up for a Part D plan when you are first eligible to do so, and you decide later you want to sign up, you will be required to pay a late enrollment penalty equal to 1% of the national average premium amount for every month you didn't have coverage as good as the standard Part D benefit.

What procedures will Medicare not pay for?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

Which Medicare parts are free?

Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse's work.

What is the $2000 limit for Medicare Part D?

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2025 annual out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 for people with Medicare Part D.

What is the most popular Part D drug plan?

The best Medicare Part D provider is Aetna. It has top ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and affordable premiums. Other great providers include Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare.

What is the penalty for not taking Medicare Part D?

Part D late enrollment penalty

You'll pay an extra 1% for each month (that's 12% a year) if you: Don't join a Medicare drug plan when you first get Medicare. Go 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage.