Plan types
Original Medicare
There are four parts of Medicare – Parts A, B, C and D. Parts A and B are offered by the federal government, and are often referred to as Original Medicare. Parts C and D are offered by private insurance companies.
Medicare Part A
- Hospital services
- Doctor services
- Prescription coverage
- Additional benefits
- Out-of-pocket Medicare costs
Part A helps pay for hospital care. Part A provides coverage for inpatient services – such as room and board, routine nursing services, physical therapy and more. It also provides benefits for skilled nursing care in a rehabilitation facility and home healthcare.
Medicare Part B
- Hospital services
- Doctor services
- Prescription coverage
- Additional benefits
- Out-of-pocket Medicare costs
Part B helps pay for physician and outpatient services. Part B provides coverage for medical services including doctor visits, preventive care, X-rays and lab tests, emergency room visits, mental healthcare and many other medical services.
Note: Part B is optional, but is required by the government to access Medicare drug coverage and other types of additional coverage, such as Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement insurance plans.