What is Original Medicare?
When you turn 65, you qualify for Medicare. It’s federally-funded health insurance for seniors and people with disabilities.
Medicare, also known as Original Medicare, helps pay for many basic health care services. And it’s highly affordable for most people. But, like all insurance plans, Original Medicare has its share of limitations.
What does Original Medicare cover?
Original Medicare is usually split into two pieces:
- Part A: Helps pay for hospital stays, care at a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health services.
- Part B: Covers visits to the doctor's office, preventative services, outpatient care, and medical supplies.
How much does Original Medicare cost?
Each part of Original Medicare comes with its own costs:
- Part A: Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A. Part A does, however, come with a $1,340 yearly deductible.
- Part B: The standard Part B premium is $134 per month. If you have a high income, you might pay more. If you get social security benefits, you might pay less. Part B comes with a $183 yearly deductible. After meeting your deductible, you pay 20 percent of the cost for Medicare-approved medical services.
Is Original Medicare enough?
For most people, Original Medicare does not provide enough coverage. Why? There are a lot of services Medicare doesn’t cover, including:
- Prescription medication
- Acupuncture
- Long-term care
- Dental and vision care
- Hearing
- Overseas coverage
Those are just some of Medicare’s exclusions. And even if something is covered, it’s easy to exceed coverage limits. That’s especially true if you require regular medical attention, or if you have a health condition. That's why millions of Americans choose to enhance their Original Medicare.
How do I enhance my Original Medicare coverage?
You have two great options to boost your Medicare Coverage:
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplement (also known as MedSup or Medigap)
Both plans help increase your coverage and lower your out-of-pocket costs. More than 20 percent of Medicare enrollees purchase a Medicare Supplement plan, while over 30 percent of Medicare enrollees have Medicare Advantage.
Get the coverage you deserve. Join the millions of Americans with Medicare Supplement and Advantage plans.
