Original Medicare
Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been a beneficiary for years, it can be very confusing. Here we’ll review the basic parts of Original Medicare (Part A & Part B).
Medicare Part A
- Hospital insurance (covers inpatient hospital visits).
- Without a supplement, you must pay a deductible of $1132 for each hospital visit.
- Part A helps cover skilled nursing facility stays, hospice and home health care.
- If you or your spouse paid medicare taxes while working, you should not have to pay for Part A.
Medicare Part B
- Medical Insurance (everything other than hospital visits).
- Covers doctor visits, outpatient services and home health care.
- Without a supplement, you pay an annual deductible of $162, then 20%.
- You must pay a monthly premium for part B.
The following are newer additions to Medicare:
Medicare Part C
- Medicare Parts A & B combined, known as a Medicare Advantage Plan
- When you enroll in Part C, you are still a Medicare Beneficiary, but no longer on Original Medicare (Parts A & B).
- A private insurance company contracts with Medicare to combine your Part A and Part B (usually prescriptions too).
- The insurance company dispenses your benefits instead of the Government.
- Prescription Coverage Standardized by Medicare.
- Only available through private insurance companies.
- If you have Original Medicare Only (A & B), or Parts A & B plus a Supplement, Medicare Part D must be purchased separately.
- If you choose not to enroll in Part D, you will pay a penalty if you decide to sign up later.
More on Medicare Benefits
Medicare Eligibility
Medicare Part D
Take a moment to review your Medicare Benefits through this quick and informative video sponsored by Humana.
Medicare 101
