The short answer
What is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is federal health coverage made up of Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance. You can generally use providers that accept Medicare, but Original Medicare does not usually include outpatient prescription coverage or an annual limit on Part A and Part B out-of-pocket costs.
Use this guide to understand the basics, then verify current coverage rules and costs before you enroll.
What Original Medicare generally covers
Part A generally helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B generally helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and other medically necessary services.
- You can generally use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
- Part A and Part B each have their own coverage rules and cost sharing.
- You usually pay deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments when you receive covered care.
What is usually not included
Original Medicare does not generally include routine dental, vision, or hearing care. It also does not include most outpatient prescription drugs or a yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket for Part A and Part B services.
Why people compare additional coverage
Some people keep Original Medicare and add a standalone Part D drug plan, a Medicare Supplement policy, or both. Others compare Medicare Advantage plans that provide Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurer and often include drug coverage or extra benefits.
- Your doctors and preferred hospitals
- Your prescriptions and pharmacies
- Your budget and expected care
- How often you travel or live in another state
Ready for your next step?
Put what you learned into practice.
Start with your ZIP code to review plans available in your area, or ask for help from a licensed insurance agent.
Primary sources
- Get started with Medicare — Medicare.gov
- Your Medicare coverage choices — Medicare.gov
- What Medicare costs — Medicare.gov