Original Medicare is offered directly through the federal government and includes:

• Part A – Hospital insurance Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, hospice care, and some home health services.

• Part B – Medical insurance Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care.

Key things to know:

• You can use any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.

• There are costs involved, including deductibles, copayments, and monthly premiums (especially for Part B).

• Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage; many people add a separate Part D plan or consider a Medicare Advantage plan for more complete coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and cover Parts A and B and oftentimes Part D Prescription Drug coverage, while also providing additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. They typically have lower premiums and include an annual out-of-pocket maximum limit.

If you choose Original Medicare, standalone Medicare Part D plans cover your prescription drugs. We help compare options based on your medications and pharmacy preferences.

Medicare Supplement (or “Medigap”) plans help cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These standardized plans work alongside your Medicare coverage.