Kevin Husted, Washington Medicare Broker — Advisor Health Benefits Group
Turning 65 in Washington or newly eligible for Medicare? You’ve probably heard about Medicare’s “alphabet soup” — Parts A, B, C, and D. Each part covers different aspects of healthcare, and understanding how they work together can save you money and help you choose the right coverage.
In this guide, I’ll explain what each part does, how they apply to Washington residents, and what choices you have when combining them. As a local broker, I help Washingtonians navigate Medicare every day — and my goal here is to make it easy and practical for you.
Medicare is divided into four main components:
Each part plays a role in protecting your health and finances. Let’s look at each in detail.
Medicare Part A helps pay for:
You can think of it as coverage for care when you’re admitted to a facility — hospitals, rehab centers, or hospice programs.
If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you’ll likely get Part A with no monthly premium.
However, you’ll still have:
These amounts are federally set but apply equally in Washington.
Part A is the foundation of your Medicare coverage. You need it to access inpatient hospital care and to qualify for other coverage types, like Medicare Advantage (Part C).
For most Washington residents, enrollment in Part A happens automatically when they sign up for Medicare — but it’s always worth verifying with the Social Security Administration.
Part B pays for:
Basically, if Part A covers you inside the hospital, Part B covers you outside it.
Unlike Part A, Part B always has a monthly premium.
For most people in 2025, that premium is about $174.70 per month, although higher-income individuals may pay more.
You’ll also have:
If you delay enrolling in Part B without other creditable coverage, you could face a permanent late-enrollment penalty.
If you’re still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty — but this depends on your employer size and plan type. Advisor Health Benefits Group can help you review your options.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is a private insurance option that replaces Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with a single, all-in-one plan. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare does — and often much more.
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare, but your benefits come through the private plan instead of directly from the federal government.
Most Medicare Advantage plans in Washington include:
Many Washington counties offer $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans (you still pay your Part B premium).
Plans set their own:
That out-of-pocket cap is one of the biggest advantages of Part C — once you reach the yearly limit, your plan pays 100% of covered costs.
Medicare Advantage plans can simplify your coverage. Instead of juggling multiple policies, you have:
If your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network, it’s often an affordable, convenient way to manage healthcare.
Plan availability and networks depend on your ZIP code. Some rural counties have fewer plan options than metro areas like Seattle or Spokane. Check our resource:
👉 Washington Medicare Plan Options 2026
Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription medications. Plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
Each plan has a formulary — a list of covered drugs grouped into tiers that determine what you pay.
Part D premiums vary widely in Washington, from about $0 to $60+ per month depending on the carrier and coverage. You’ll also pay:
If you go without drug coverage for 63 days or more, you may owe a late-enrollment penalty when you finally sign up.
If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you’ll need a standalone Part D plan.
If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), most plans already include Part D coverage — called an MAPD plan.
Washington residents can also qualify for Extra Help (a federal subsidy) that reduces Part D premiums and copays for lower-income beneficiaries.
| Medicare Part | Coverage Type | Who Provides It | Typical Cost | Key Feature |
| Part A | Hospital insurance | Federal Medicare | Usually $0 | Covers inpatient care |
| Part B | Medical insurance | Federal Medicare | Monthly premium (~$174.70) | Covers outpatient & doctor services |
| Part C | Medicare Advantage | Private insurers | Varies; often $0 | Combines A, B, D & extras |
| Part D | Prescription drugs | Private insurers | $0–$60+ | Covers medication costs |
Missing these windows could mean penalties or waiting until the next period to make changes.
Not necessarily. You need Parts A and B for full Medicare coverage. From there, you decide whether to add Part D and/or switch to a Part C plan depending on your needs.
No. You can have one or the other — Medigap only works with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage.
If you move counties, your Advantage or Part D options might change. You’ll usually get a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans.
No. Washington plans vary by ZIP code and pharmacy network. Always check your specific medications before enrolling.
You don’t have to figure out Medicare alone. You can contact Advisor Health Benefits Group for personalized, one-on-one guidance from a licensed Washington Medicare broker. We’ll help you compare plan options in your ZIP code, review costs and benefits, and make sure your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
➡️ Contact Advisor Health Benefits Group today to schedule a free consultation and get expert help choosing the right Medicare plan for your needs.
Meet Mary, age 65, in Spokane.
Option 1: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
Option 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Mary chooses Medicare Advantage, saving money and gaining extra benefits. But if she ever moves or travels more, she can switch back during a future enrollment period.
List your doctors, specialists, medications, and travel habits.
Then compare total annual costs (premiums + expected copays).
Each Washington county has unique options. Use Washington Medicare Plans to see what’s available where you live.
Always confirm your doctors and prescriptions are covered before enrolling.
A local broker can compare multiple carriers and handle the paperwork — at no cost to you. You can also explore our Medicare Checklist Before 65 to prepare early.
Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing. Once you understand what each part does, the pieces fall into place:
Your best choice depends on your health, income, provider preferences, and location in Washington.
If you want personalized help comparing plans or understanding which Medicare parts fit your situation, I’d love to guide you through it.
👉 Visit Advisor Health Benefits Group to schedule a consultation and make confident, informed decisions about your Washington Medicare coverage.
About Kevin Husted
Kevin Husted is a licensed Washington health insurance and Medicare broker with Advisor Health Benefits Group. He helps individuals and families navigate Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, compare plan options, and find cost-effective coverage tailored to their needs.
If you want to understand how the four parts of Medicare work in Washington, these trusted sources provide neutral, government-verified information — not plan sales.
These references help you build knowledge — but they don’t replace personalized advice. For individualized help reviewing options.
👉 Contact Advisor Health Benefits Group to speak directly with a licensed Washington Medicare broker.
