Original Medicare isn’t as confusing as others may make it seem. Because of our commitment to simplifying Medicare concepts, we want to lay out all of the facts for you in an easy-to-understand way. If you still have questions after reading about Original Medicare, we would be happy to answer any of those personally.
If you need assistance with finding and choosing Medicare supplement plans, we can help with that, too! Feel free to contact us by phone or through our online contact form.
WHAT IS ORIGINAL MEDICARE?
Original Medicare is a federal health insurance program managed by the United States government. Original Medicare is for:
- People who are 65 years of age or older.
- Certain people under the age of 65 with disabilities.
- People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD — permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant).
ORIGINAL MEDICARE INCLUDES PART A AND PART B
MEDICARE PART A (HOSPITAL INSURANCE) COVERS:
- Inpatient care in a hospital
- Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility
- Hospice care
- Some types of in-home health care
- Inpatient care in a religious nonmedical health care facility
MEDICARE PART B (MEDICAL INSURANCE) COVERS:
- Medically necessary services from doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient care
- Home health care services
- Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment and supplies)
- Mental health services
- Many preventative services (like screenings, flu and pneumonia shots, and annual wellness exams)