Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides a range of benefits. It offers healthcare coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as to those with disabilities or certain health conditions.

Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B, covering both inpatient and outpatient care. It is the most common option, and you must enroll in these parts before becoming eligible for other Medicare options. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A, as it's covered by the Medicare taxes paid throughout their working years. However, Part B requires a monthly premium.

Part C, or Medicare Advantage Plans, are offered by private healthcare providers and provide additional benefits beyond Original Medicare. These plans often reduce out-of-pocket costs and may include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

Part D is the prescription drug plan, which can be added to either Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. It requires a premium, and the cost of prescriptions depends on their tier—lower tiers cost less.

Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap, are a set of 10 different plans that help cover expenses not paid by Original Medicare, such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. These plans can be added to your Original Medicare coverage for more comprehensive protection.