Original Medicare Part A and Part B
Original Medicare was established in 1965. It provides health insurance coverage for most Americans age 65 and older. It is administered by the Federal Government, and it is broken into two parts, Part A, and Part B. Here is information on how to enroll in Original Medicare.
Coverage Under Medicare Part A, Also Known as Hospital Coverage
Hospital Care
Must be medically necessary.
Skilled Nursing
Must be provided in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) under certain conditions for a limited time.
Nursing Home Care
Care must be given in a skilled nursing facility and must be medically necessary. Most nursing home care is custodial care, and this is NOT covered.
Hospice
Home Health Services
Care must be certified by a doctor and meet specific criteria.
Coverage Under Medicare Part B, Also Known as Medical Coverage
There are two types of services covered under Medicare Part B
Medically Necessary Services
Includes supplies and services needed to treat or diagnose your medical condition. These must meet accepted standards of medical practice.
Preventive Services
Covers types of health care administered to prevent illnesses or to detect conditions at an early stage. If you are enrolled in Part B, most preventive services will cost you nothing if your health care provider accepts Medicare assignment.
Medicare Part B Also Covers
Clinical Research
This includes experimental drugs and treatment in certain qualifying clinical research studies
Ambulance Services
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Mental Health
Inpatient
Outpatient
Partial Hospitalization
Second Opinions Before Surgery
Limited Outpatient Prescription Drugs
Covers a limited number of outpatient drugs under limited conditions
Your Medicare Costs
There are deductibles and coinsurance associated with the Original Medicare Part A and Part B benefits listed above. Here is a chart showing your costs for 2016.
Your 2016 Medicare Costs at a Glance
If you want specific cost information about your benefits, like claim status, or how much you’ll pay for services, or whether you have met your deductible visit MyMedicare.gov
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