What to Know About Original Medicare

Last Updated March 13, 2024

What to Know About Original Medicare

The concept of Medicare was first established in the 1960s. It's a health insurance program for seniors that was initially only two parts: Part A and Part B. These two components are known as Original Medicare.

Since then, various health insurance plans have been introduced for seniors. These include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D. As a Medicare brokerage, we can help you find the best possible plan for your budget. Before you enroll in any of these plans, it's important to understand some of the details about Medicare.

Almost a million providers in the US accept Medicare. This means that you won't have a problem finding a doctor that accepts the insurance. Medicare doesn't have networks, which means that you can still see providers that accept the program.

Medicare Supplement plans pay for Original Medicare, and this allows enrollees to access all Medicare providers. However, doctors must accept all types of insurance carriers as they cannot pick and choose plans according to their preferences.

Although Original Medicare provides coverage for some drugs, it doesn't cover prescription drugs. You will need a prescription drug plan if you pick up medications at the pharmacy. You can enroll in either a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan that includes a Part D prescription drug.

What is Covered by Original Medicare?

Medicare covers various medically necessary services for patients. Part A covers hospital care, while Part B covers outpatient care. Inpatient care includes everything from skilled nursing care to home health care. Part B also covers durable medical equipment and doctor visits.

You will pay for the various services that are covered by Medicare, including the hospital and inpatient care costs. For instance, if you are admitted to the hospital after a new benefit period, you will have to pay the Part A deductible. On the other hand, you only have to pay the Part B deductible once a year.

A Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan is designed to lower or eliminate the out-of-pocket costs that individuals pay for approved services. However, these plans only pay for services that are covered under Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans usually cover Original Medicare for various services, such as hearing and vision care. On the other hand, Medicare Supplement plans offer lower out-of-pocket costs. As a result, people who sign up for these plans will have little to no out-of-pocket expenses throughout the year.

What is not covered by Original Medicare?

Original Medicare doesn't cover many services, such as vision and hearing care. However, Medicare Advantage plans can still provide additional benefits that are not covered by Medicare, such as cosmetic procedures and routine dental care. Most Medicare Advantage plans also come with a Part D prescription drug.

Although Medicare Advantage plans can provide various benefits, it's not always the best choice for everyone. There are many factors that go into choosing the right plan for your needs. To find the best plan for your budget and health, contact the experts at MedicareSignups.com.

The agency can help you find the best Medicare supplement or prescription drug plan for your needs. We will talk about the various benefits of this program first before we help you choose a strategy.