What Is Original Medicare Part A and B?
Part A and Part B are often referred to as “Original Medicare.” Original Medicare is one of your health coverage choices as part of the Medicare program managed by the federal government. Unless you choose a Medicare health plan, you will be enrolled in Original Medicare. You can go to any doctor, supplier, hospital, or other facility that is enrolled in Medicare and accepting new Medicare patients. It is fee-for-service coverage, meaning that, generally, there is a cost for each service.
You generally pay a set amount for your health care (deductible) before Medicare pays its share. Then, Medicare pays its share, and you pay your share (coinsurance / copayment) for covered services and supplies. You usually pay a monthly premium for Part B.
What is not covered by Original Medicare?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything. If you need certain services that Medicare does not cover, you will have to pay out–of-pocket unless you have other insurance to help cover the costs. Even if Medicare covers a service or item, you generally have to pay deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Items and services that Medicare does not cover include, but are not limited to, cosmetic surgery, health care you get while traveling outside of the United States (except in limited cases), hearing aids and exams for fitting hearing aids, long-term care, most eyeglasses, routine dental care, dentures, and acupuncture.
Generally, Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, also called Part D, although it does cover some drugs in limited cases such as immunosuppressive drugs (for transplant patients) and oral anti-cancer drugs. Some of these services not covered by Original Medicare may be covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO).
To find out if Medicare covers a service you need, visit medicare.gov and select “What Medicare Covers,” or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
How much does Original Medicare cost?
You usually do not pay a monthly premium for Part A coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. For Part B, most people pay a standard monthly premium, but some people may pay a higher Part B premium based on their income.
The chart below shows the Part B monthly premium amounts for 2018 based on income. If you pay a late-enrollment penalty, this amount is higher.
Looking for Medicare coverage? We offer free, accurate comparisons for Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plans.
Get an online quote at Medicare.org for Medicare plans that fit your healthcare needs today! Or call 1-877-388-0596 – TTY 711 Monday through Friday 8am-9pm and Saturday 9am-8pm EST to get answers and guidance over the phone from an experienced licensed sales agent.
Related Information:
Does Medicare Pay for Prescription Drugs?
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage? 4 Questions to Help You Choose