Medicare

Original Medicare:
Parts A and B

Original Medicare is low-cost health insurance that comes from the government. It covers things like hospital stays and check-ups. Most people get it when they turn 65, but there are lots of things that it doesn’t cover. We have plans to enhance your Original Medicare coverage, help you pay for the things it doesn’t cover, and help save you money. Let’s talk about Original Medicare, what it covers, and what it doesn’t.

What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is made up of Parts A and B. Each covers different parts of your care.

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Medicare Part A

Hospital Insurance

Part A includes:

  • Skilled nursing care
  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Hospice care
  • Some in-home care
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Medicare Part B

Medical Insurance

Part B includes:

  • Doctor visits
  • Preventive care
  • Outpatient Services
  • Medical supplies
  • Tests and X-rays
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Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage

Part C includes:

  • Part A
  • Part B
  • Part D
  • Additional Services provided
    by private health care
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Medicare Part D

Prescription Medicines

Part D includes:

  • Prescription Drug Coverage

Paying for Original Medicare

Let’s look at how most people pay for Original Medicare.

Part A

You may have to pay a premium for Part A, but most people don’t. If you or your spouse paid taxes into Medicare while you were working, you won’t have to pay premiums for Part A.

Part B

The cost of Part B varies depending on your income. Social Security uses your tax information to find out what you should pay. Most people pay a premium each month for their Part B and it can be deducted automatically from your Social Security check each month.

Medicare Doesn't Cover Everything But We Can Help

Though Original Medicare pays for many services, it doesn’t pay for everything. Medicare Advantage Plans are available for Medicare Eligible to help you with the things that aren’t covered.

  • Prescription drugs are not covered by Original Medicare, but a Prescription Drug (Part D) Plan can help you save money on your prescription drugs. A Medicare Advantage Plan with Drug Coverage can too.
  • Original Medicare will only pay 80 percent of the cost of doctor visits. With a Medicare Advantage plan you will pay a small copay for doctor visits.
  • Original Medicare will only pay a certain amount per day for hospital stays up to 150 days. With Medicare Advantage you will usually pay a lower copay per day for hospital stays.
  • Medicare doesn’t cover regular vision exams, eyeglasses or contacts and it also doesn’t cover most dental care. But many of our Medicare Advantage Plans offer vision, dental and hearing coverage.

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Medicare Parts A and B pay for many healthcare services and supplies, but they don’t cover all of your healthcare costs.

Also, drug coverage when not in the hospital is very limited. That’s why most people who go with Medicare carry additional Medicare coverage from a private insurance company — Parts C and D. Explore Optimum HealthCare's Medicare Plans.

To learn more about Medicare, click on the following link: Medicare & You Handbook

Last updated 10/01/2023