There is a ton of detail, and no amount of Fultherized discussion can possibly give you all the ins and outs of it. If you haven’t already, call the Medicare office and have them send you t the introductory handbook – it’s about 100 pages long, full of detail, and well worth the read. (or you can download it and read it online(.
You get part A just by signing up.
You can (optionally) sign up for part B – depending on where you live, it will be $120—$150/month. However, Part B coverage is limited -> see the details in the Handbook I mentioned.
Supplemental coverage (there are many flavors, and again you need to read the details!) fills the coverage gaps. You pay more for it (in my case, additional $140/month) but it is as close to full coverage as you can get. Depending on where you live, coverage can be great or lousy.
Advantage plans have an advantage in that they roll part B, supplemental coverage, and Part D (drugs) into one premium. But – you are stuck with their network of doctors, which I didn’t want. Too limiting. Several Advantage plans are also under investigation for Medicare fraud.
Part D is drugs. Again, separate cost.
Read the handbook, seriously.