Episode 49 Block 5 Published
Social Security and Medicare 101: Parts A, B, C, D Decoded
Watch on YouTube Medicare Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and Part D prescription coverage explained in plain English - including 2026 premiums, deductibles, the new $2,000 Part D cap, and the Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage decision. Part of the Social Security playlist covering every Medicare rule you need to know before 65. Check the next video for the 7-month enrollment window.
▶ Watch next: Medicare Enrollment: The 7-Month Window You Cannot Miss — Social Security https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3OmvFO79ME
📺 Full playlist: Social Security (US - 2026) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlIAFxS296491LWfYsLp6anRyo6_DO_pI
Chapters
- 0:00 Medicare at a Glance: Four Parts, Two Paths
- 2:43 Part A — Hospital Insurance
- 4:50 Part B — Outpatient and the Premium You Pay
- 6:47 Part C — Medicare Advantage
- 8:39 Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
- 10:51 Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: The Big Decision
- 13:05 Medigap and Where to Find 2026 Numbers
- 15:57 Quiz Time
Medicare is one program with four parts and two coverage paths. Part A (hospital), Part B (outpatient), Part C (Advantage — private replacement), Part D (drugs). Original Medicare + Medigap is one path; Medicare Advantage is another. This episode clarifies the structure that every Medicare-age American has to navigate.
Key Topics
- Part A: hospital insurance, usually premium-free if 40 credits
- Part B: outpatient, standard premium, IRMAA surcharges for high earners
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): private all-in-one alternative
- Part D: prescription drugs, standalone or bundled into Advantage
- Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage — the core decision
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement) overview
- Where to find the 2026 premium and deductible numbers