Medicare Parts A & B
Your Guide to Original Medicare Coverage
Understanding Your Hospital & Medical Insurance Options
What Do Medicare Parts A & B Cover?
Medicare Parts A & B-often called "Original Medicare"-make up the foundation of your Medicare health coverage. These two parts work together to cover many of your basic medical needs.

Part A helps cover hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and limited home health services.
Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment.
Original Medicare can be a great starting point for many people, but it may not cover everything you need. That's where additional coverage like Medicare Supplement plans can help.
What's Typically Covered
Part A covers hospital-related costs, including inpatient stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services.

Part B covers outpatient services like doctor visits, diagnostic tests, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and certain therapies.
Common Add-Ons
Many people choose to add a Medicare Supplement plan or enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan to help with additional costs not covered by Parts A & B.
Who Typically Uses This Coverage
Most people 65 and older enroll in Medicare Parts A & B as their primary coverage, either automatically or through Medicare enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Parts A & B
Medicare can be confusing-especially when you're just getting started. We've answered some of the most common questions to help you feel more confident and informed when reviewing your coverage options.
Get the Answers You Need About Original Medicare
What's the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?
Part A covers hospital-related care, such as inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Part B covers outpatient care like doctor visits, lab tests, preventive services, and medical equipment. Together, they make up what's called Original Medicare.
Is there a cost for Medicare Parts A & B?
Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they've worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B does have a monthly premium, which may vary depending on your income. There are also deductibles and coinsurance for both parts.
Does Original Medicare cover everything I need?
Not always. Medicare Parts A & B cover many important services, but not everything. You may still have out-of-pocket costs like copays and coinsurance-and they don't include prescription drug coverage. Many people choose to add a Medicare Supplement or Part D plan for more complete protection.
When should I enroll in Medicare Parts A & B?
You're typically eligible at age 65. If you're already receiving Social Security, you'll be enrolled automatically. Otherwise, your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. Missing this window could lead to penalties.
Can I keep my doctor with Medicare Parts A & B?
Usually yes. Medicare is widely accepted, but it's always best to check if your doctor accepts "Medicare assignment." If they do, you'll pay less out of pocket. If not, you may be billed more than the Medicare-approved amount.