Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Understanding the Foundation of Medicare
Original Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. It includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) and serves as the foundation of your Medicare coverage.
As an independent Medicare advisor, I’ll help you understand how Original Medicare works and whether additional coverage may be right for you.
✓ Learn what Medicare covers
✓ Understand your costs
✓ Explore your coverage options
What Is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is administered by the federal government through Medicare.
It includes:
Medicare Part A
Hospital Insurance
Part A generally helps pay for:
•Inpatient hospital stays
•Skilled nursing facility care (when eligible)
•Hospice care
•Limited home health care
Medicare Part B
Medical Insurance
Part B generally helps cover:
•Doctor visits
•Preventive services
•Outpatient care
•Lab tests and X-rays
•Durable medical equipment
•Ambulance services
•Physical and occupational therapy
What Original Medicare Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to understand that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for everything.
Generally, it does not include:
•Most routine dental care
•Routine vision exams and eyeglasses
•Hearing aids
•Most prescription drugs
•Routine long-term custodial care
Many people choose additional Medicare coverage to help pay for these costs and fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage.
Your Costs
Most Medicare beneficiaries pay for Medicare in different ways.
Part A
•Usually premium-free if you qualify through your own or your spouse's work history.
•If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you may have to pay a monthly premium.
Part B
•Monthly premium
•Annual deductible
•Coinsurance for many covered services
Your actual costs will vary depending on the healthcare services you receive, hospital stays, and the Medicare coverage you choose. Depending on your coverage, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Doctor Access
One of the biggest advantages of Original Medicare is the freedom to choose your healthcare providers.
With Original Medicare, you can generally see any doctor, specialist, or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare, without needing referrals to see specialists.
This flexibility makes Original Medicare a popular choice for people who:
Travel frequently or spend part of the year in another state.
Want access to a broad network of doctors and hospitals.
Prefer the freedom to choose their healthcare providers.
Keep in mind: While most healthcare providers accept Medicare, not every doctor or facility accepts Medicare. Always confirm that your provider participates before receiving care.
Additional Coverage Options
Many Medicare beneficiaries choose additional coverage because Original Medicare does not include an annual limit on out-of-pocket medical expenses and does not cover all healthcare services.
Depending on your healthcare needs, you may choose one of the following options:
Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Helps pay many out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Allows you to see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare.
Original Medicare + Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)
Helps cover the cost of prescription medications.
Can be added if you have Original Medicare and want prescription drug coverage.
OR
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
An alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private insurance company.
Many plans also include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing.
The best choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, prescription medications, preferred doctors, and lifestyle. As your independent Medicare advisor, I'll help you compare your options so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Is Original Medicare Right for You?
Original Medicare may be a good choice if you:
✔ Want the freedom to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
✔ Travel frequently within the United States.
✔ Prefer the flexibility to choose your own healthcare providers without network restrictions.
✔ Are considering adding a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
✔ Want to receive your Medicare benefits directly through the federal Medicare program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Part A and Part B?
Part A generally covers hospital-related services, while Part B covers outpatient medical services such as doctor visits, preventive care, and medical equipment.
Do I automatically get Medicare at age 65?
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Can I keep my employer insurance?
In many cases, yes. The best option depends on the size of your employer and whether your coverage is considered creditable.
Do I need a Medicare Supplement?
Not everyone does, but many people choose one to help pay out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't fully cover.
Can I add prescription drug coverage later?
Yes, but enrolling late without other creditable prescription drug coverage may result in a late enrollment penalty.
Meet Your Independent Medicare Advisor
Derene Derricotte
Understanding your Medicare options doesn't have to be confusing. I’ll help you compare plans from multiple Medicare-approved insurance companies so you can find coverage that fits your doctors, prescriptions, healthcare needs, and budget. My goal is to educate—not pressure—and provide personalized guidance before, during, and after enrollment.
Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing. I’m here to answer your questions, compare your Medicare options, and help you enroll with confidence.
Why Choose Derene Derricotte?
✔ Independent Licensed Medicare Advisor
✔ Compare Medicare plans from multiple leading insurance companies
✔ Personalized one-on-one guidance
✔ Complimentary Medicare plan reviews
✔ Support before, during, and after enrollment
✔ Local, personalized service with access to nationwide carriers
Have questions about Medicare?
Schedule your complimentary Medicare review today.
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Medicare Disclaimer
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we offer. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local Medicare office for information about all of your Medicare options.