Skip to main content

Medicare Definitions

For additional information or details, please contact a MAP Counselor at 1-800-307-4444.

Co-pay/co-insurance – the amount you pay after deductible(s) are met.

Deductible – the amount you pay before health insurance begins to cover costs.

Donut Hole – also known as the Coverage Gap. A coverage period where you may pay more for prescription drugs.

MA – Medicare Advantage Plan. An alternative to Original Medicare.  Contains Part A and Part B; may also provide Part D coverage and extra benefits not covered by Medicare. Offered by private insurance companies. Must cover everything that Original Medicare covers.

Medigap – A Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy. Offered by private insurance companies. Helps cover out of pocket costs for Original Medicare, Parts A and B. Cannot be used with Medicare Advantage plans.

MSA – Medicare Savings Account Plan. A type of Medicare Advantage Plan.

Part A – Hospital insurance. Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and home health care.

Part B – Medicare Insurance. Helps cover doctor and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, many preventive services.

Part C – Also known as Medicare Advantage Plans.

Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage. Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, including many recommended shots or vaccines. Offered by private insurance companies.

PDP – Prescription Drug Plan offered by private insurance companies.

Premium – An amount one pays to have health care insurance, usually paid monthly.

Back to MAP Home Page