What is Original Medicare?

Medicare Parts A and B are referred to as “Original Medicare” and is the federal health insurance program that includes a defined set of benefits and services.

What does it cover?

Part A: Hospital

Medicare Part A is Hospital insurance and helps cover cost if you are staying in a hospital, skilled nursing facility or hospice care.

Part B: Medical

Medicare Part B is Medical insurance and helps cover cost for doctor services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment and other medical services. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan you must continue to pay your Part B premium.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Part C also known as Medicare Advantage includes Part A, Part B and sometimes Part D. It is an all in one plan.

Part D: Prescriptions

Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug coverage, and helps cover the cost of many outpatient prescription drugs. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan this drug coverage is usually included into the plan, otherwise it is offered through insurance companies as a separate plan.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for Medicare you must be a United States citizen or permanent legal resident who has resided in the United States for five continuous years and is:

• Age 65 or older and eligible to receive Social Security OR
• Under age 65 permanently disabled and have received Social Security disability benefits for at least two years
• Diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

When am I eligible?

• For most, eligibility is the month in which you turn 65
  • Contact Social Security within 90 days of your birthday
• Retiring and leaving full-time employment and losing employer group coverage
  • If you plan to continue to work beyond 65, you may want to consider delaying your Part B of Medicare until you are ready to retire. As long as you have credible coverage on an individual plan or on your spouse's plan you can delay Part B
• Spouse is retiring from full time employment and losing employer group coverage
  • Contact Social Security within 90 days of your retirement date

What are my Options?

Original Medicare won't cover all of your health care cost. You may want a plan in place to help pay your out-of-pocket cost.

Medicare Advantage Plans: More total coverage than Original Medicare, with predictable, costs, allowing you to pay for what you use. Medicare Advantage plans take the place of Original Medicare, and usually include additional benefits such as wellness programs, and hearing and vision discounts. You must have Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medicare Supplement Plans: Also known as Medigap plans offer traditional coverage that helps cover the out-of-pocket gaps in Original Medicare. You must have Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans: Also known as Part D Plans allow for prescription drug coverage. You can get Part D coverage from your Medicare Advantage plan, you can pair it with a Medicare Supplement plan allowing for complete coverage.