Medicare Doesn't Have to Be Confusing
Fair & Kind helps you understand your Medicare choices in plain English so you can make informed coverage decisions with confidence.
Understanding the Parts of Medicare
Medicare is made up of several parts. Here's a simple overview of each.
Part A
Hospital Insurance
Part A generally helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
Part B
Medical Insurance
Part B generally helps cover physician services, outpatient care, preventive services, and certain medical equipment and services.
Part C
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and provide Part A and Part B coverage, often with additional benefits that vary by plan.
Part D
Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D helps cover prescription drugs and is offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
How the Pieces Fit Together
Four major participants shape how Medicare works.
Who
Government agencies
Their role
CMS runs Medicare, sets program rules, and oversees Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Social Security handles much of Medicare enrollment and premium-related administration. State Medicaid programs, such as Medi-Cal in California, may also help people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Who
Insurance companies
Their role
Private insurers offer Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplement plans. For Medicare Advantage, the insurer contracts with Medicare and administers the plan's benefits, costs, provider network, and drug coverage.
Who
Medical groups / IPAs
Their role
In many Medicare Advantage plans, medical groups or IPAs (Independent Practice Associations) organize participating doctors and specialists and may coordinate referrals and care. A doctor may be affiliated with multiple medical groups or IPAs and may participate in some plans but not others, so it is important to verify the specific doctor, medical group, and plan relationship.
Who
Medicare agents
Their role
Licensed agents help people understand available coverage, compare options, verify important details, and complete enrollment when appropriate. Agents do not run Medicare or provide medical care.
Why this matters: With Medicare Advantage, it is not enough to know that a doctor “takes Medicare.” The insurance plan, provider network, and sometimes the doctor’s medical group or IPA all have to line up correctly.
Two Common Ways to Receive Medicare Coverage
Most people choose one of two approaches. Neither is better than the other — it depends on your situation.
Path One
Original Medicare
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
- Optional standalone Part D prescription drug coverage
- Possible Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage
Some people choose Medicare Supplement coverage to help with certain out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare.
Path Two
Medicare Advantage
- Provides Medicare Part A and Part B coverage through private Medicare-approved insurance companies
- May include additional benefits depending on the plan
- May include prescription drug coverage depending on the plan
- Plans vary in coverage, costs, networks, and benefits
Your Situation Matters
Medicare selection is personal. It should not be based on one factor alone.
The coverage that fits well depends on many factors, including:
How Fair & Kind Helps
A simple, personal process — no pressure, just clear guidance.
Understand Your Situation
The process begins by gathering relevant information about your Medicare needs and preferences.
Review Your Options
Available coverage options can be reviewed based on your circumstances, providers, medications, preferences, and other relevant factors.
Explain the Tradeoffs
We help you understand differences in coverage, costs, networks, benefits, and other important considerations.
Help You Move Forward
Once you understand the available options, we can assist with the next steps when appropriate.
Considering Medicare Supplement Coverage or Medicare Advantage?
These are two different ways to structure your Medicare coverage. Medicare Supplement insurance works alongside Original Medicare to help with certain out-of-pocket costs, while Medicare Advantage provides your Part A and Part B coverage through a private Medicare-approved plan and may include additional benefits. The right approach depends on your doctors, prescriptions, costs, coverage preferences, and other priorities.
Frequent Questions
Common questions about Medicare, answered in plain English.
Ready to Get Started?
If you need help understanding your Medicare options, Fair & Kind is here to listen and guide you — one step at a time.
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