A
Medicare Part A
Hospital Insurance
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Care in a skilled nursing facility when eligibility requirements are met
- Hospice care
- Some home health care services
Original Medicare
(Parts A & B)
Understand the foundation of Medicare—and what it may mean for your doctors, hospital care, and health care costs.
A
Hospital Insurance
Inpatient hospital care and certain other services.
B
Medical Insurance
Doctor visits, outpatient services and preventive care.
How Original Medicare Works
Original Medicare is health coverage provided by the federal government. It includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). You can generally see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the United States.
Parts A and B cover many important services, but they do not pay for everything. Understanding the difference between them is a useful first step toward choosing coverage that fits your needs.
B
Medicare Part B
Medical Insurance
- Visits with doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient care and tests
- Durable medical equipment, when covered
- Many preventive services, including certain screenings and vaccines
What Should You Know About Costs?
Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A, but Part A has deductibles and other possible costs. Part B generally has a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and your share of the cost of covered services.
- Coverage gaps: Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, most routine vision services, hearing aids, or long-term custodial care.
- No annual out-of-pocket maximum: Original Medicare itself has no yearly limit on what you may pay for covered Part A and Part B services.
- Prescription drugs: Most outpatient prescription drugs are not covered by Parts A and B. You may want a separate Part D drug plan.
- Supplemental coverage: A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy may help with certain out-of-pocket costs.
Do Parts A & B Cover Everything?
No. Original Medicare is a starting point, not necessarily your complete coverage strategy. Some people keep Original Medicare and add a separate drug plan and Medigap policy. Others choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan instead. Eligibility, costs, provider access, and coverage details should all be considered before making that choice.
Key Considerations
✚
Your doctors
Confirm that your providers accept Medicare.
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Your expenses
Review premiums, deductibles and coinsurance.
✚
Your prescriptions
Check whether separate drug coverage is appropriate.
◷
Your timing
Understand enrollment periods and possible late penalties.
Questions About Original Medicare?
Kimberly can help you understand Parts A and B and review your coverage options.
☎ TALK WITH KIMBERLYEducational information only. Coverage and costs depend on individual circumstances and may change. Official information: Medicare.gov — Parts of Medicare and How Medicare Works. Medicare Kimberly / Vital Services, LLC is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare program.