Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is designed to cover the following health care services:
Part A (hospital insurance) may help cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and some home health care services. Generally, beneficiaries do not pay premiums for Part A if they paid Medicare taxes while working. However, there are typically deductibles and coinsurance beneficiaries pay when utilizing Part A services.
Part B (medical insurance) may help cover medically necessary services, including doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and durable medical equipment. It may include certain services related to mental health, physical therapy and clinical research. Most beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage, and there are also typically deductibles and coinsurance responsibilities.
The following Medicare parts are optional:
Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines the benefits of Part A and Part B coverage and is provided by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have networks of health care providers that may be restricted by geographical location. These plans may include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, vision, dental and hearing services. These plans may have different costs and network restrictions than Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Part D (prescription drug coverage) is optional coverage available through Medicare-approved private insurance companies and may help cover the costs of prescription medications, including brand-name and generic drugs. Beneficiaries typically pay a monthly premium, a deductible, copayments and coinsurance.