Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Original Medicare is basic health insurance provided by the federal government. When you sign up for Medicare Part A and B (when you turn 65 or retire) you are signing up for Original Medicare. Many people think this is the only step of the Medicare process, but there are other options to consider. For many people, relying on just Original Medicare does not provide enough coverage. For example, Original Medicare has deductibles and no limit on out-of-pocket spending. Original Medicare doesn’t cover Part D prescription drugs, routine vision and hearing exams, and certain other services. To have enough coverage, you may choose to enroll in an HMO plan or Medicare Supplement plan.

With Original Medicare, there is no limit to the amount you may need to pay

It’s important to know that if you rely on just Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) there is no limit to the amount you may need to pay for medical costs in a year. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) have an out-of-pocket maximum that limits the amount you would need to pay for medical costs in a year. Original Medicare doesn’t have this limit.

How to protect yourself from Original Medicare alone

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not provide comprehensive coverage. But you can fill the “gaps” in coverage by:

• Adding a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) with prescription drug coverage (Part D) to your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage.

Or,

• Adding a Medicare Supplement Plan and a separate standalone prescription drug plan (Part D) to your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage.