Medicare health insurance coverage, starting at age 65 for most Americans, is a wonderful thing -- but it's not simple. There's no single plan that serves everyone. Instead, you need to learn about Medicare, and then decide which Medicare plan is best for you. Here's a brief guide to your options.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Medicare enrollees get to choose between original Medicare, featuring parts A and B, and Medicare Advantage plans, which are sometimes referred to as Part C.

With traditional (or "original") Medicare, Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, hospice, and skilled-nursing facility stays, while Part B covers outpatient services, such as preventative care, laboratory tests, ambulance services, medical equipment, and necessary doctor services.