Original Medicare Basics
Original Medicare is a low-cost government insurance program that guarantees access to health insurance for Americans age 65 and older and younger people with certain medical disabilities. It pays for many health care expenses but not all. Medicare covers its share of an approved amount and you pay the rest through deductibles and coinsurance. Original Medicare is made up of two parts:
Part A:Hospital insurance which helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and home health care. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A.
Part B:Medical insurance which helps cover medically necessary doctor services and visits, lab tests, outpatient care, durable medical equipment and supplies, ambulance services, and preventative care. Part B carries a monthly premium.