Making a smart Medicare decision — especially during open enrollment — starts with knowing the basic components of the health care program. With four distinct parts, the system can feel complicated, but understanding what Part A (Hospital), Part B (Medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (Prescription Drugs) each cover is essential for choosing the right plan and managing your costs.
Take this quick, 10-question quiz to test your foundational knowledge and ensure you are well-prepared to select the coverage that is best for your health and budget this year.
And don't worry if you miss an answer, you can follow the links below the quiz to brush up on your knowledge.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
More on Medicare, from the Kiplinger retirement team:
- What You Must Know About the Different Parts of Medicare
- Medicare Basics: 12 Things You Need to Know
- Seven Medicare Changes Coming in 2026
- Prior Authorization Coming to Traditional Medicare Starting in 2026
- How Medigap Insurance Is Affected by Preexisting Conditions
- 11 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Should Avoid Making
- Major Insurers Scale Back Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans for 2026
-
How to Read a Company's Balance Sheet Like a Stock ProKnowing how to read this financial statement can help you separate strong companies from struggling ones.
-
How to Choose the Best Charities to Donate ToWhile you set your giving strategy, think about your values, and select organizations that will put your contributions to good use.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: This Is Why Commitment, Not Perfection, Drives Financial SuccessMeeting your goals is more likely if you stick to your strategy despite market volatility and scary headlines. Consistency makes a difference.
-
I'm a Financial Professional: This Is Why Now Is the Time for Investors to Look AbroadExtreme U.S. market concentration has made international equities not just a diversification play, but a timely opportunity.
-
Tariffs, Inflation, Uncertainty, Oh My: How to Feel Less Stressed About Finances NowTariffs, high prices and an uncertain economy getting you down? These steps can help.
-
Your Estate Plan Isn't 'Done' Until You've Completed These Five Steps, From an Estate Planning AttorneyCongratulations on getting your estate plan in order. Now, you need to communicate the relevant details to ensure your plan is effectively carried out.
-
Eight Steps to Help Get You Through the Open Enrollment Jungle at WorkWondering how to survive open enrollment this year? Arm yourself with these tools to cut through the process and get the best workplace benefits for you.
-
What You Learn Becoming Your Mother's Financial CaregiverWriter and certified financial planner Beth Pinsker talks to Kiplinger about caring for her mother and her new book.
-
I Want to Help Pay for My Grandkids' College. Should I Make a Lump-Sum 529 Plan Contribution or Spread Funds out Through the Years?We asked a college savings professional and a financial planning expert for their advice.
-
Seven Moves for High-Net-Worth People to Make Before End of 2025, From a Financial PlannerIt's time to focus on how they can potentially reduce their taxes, align their finances with family goals and build their financial confidence for the new year.
