What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is health care coverage managed by the federal government for people aged 65 and over and some younger people with disabilities or health conditions.  

What does Original Medicare Cover? 

Original Medicare includes two parts – Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. 

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers: 

• Inpatient hospital stays
• Care in a skilled nursing facility
• Home health care following an inpatient stay
• Hospice care 

Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It covers: 

• Services from doctors or other health care providers
• Preventive care 
• Outpatient care
• Home health services for the homebound
• Durable medical equipment, like walkers and hospital beds 

People who have Original Medicare can go to any doctor, health care provider or facility that participates in Medicare and is accepting Medicare patients.  

Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs or additional benefits, like dental, vision or hearing services.  

How Much Does Original Medicare Cost? 

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service plan. That means that you pay for services as you get them.  

Learn more about the costs for Original Medicare.

Additional Original Medicare Coverage Options 

If you enroll in Original Medicare, you can also enroll in:  

• Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage 
• Medigap for supplemental insurance to help pay out-of-pocket expenses 

Or, you can consider another option: 

• You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan to get Part A and Part B bundled together in one plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage and other health care benefits like hearing, vision and dental.  

Have Questions? Learn More from Banner Health. 

Learn more about Banner Health’s Medicare Advantage plans. 

Learn about Banner Medicare’s Part D Plan. 

Contact Banner Medicare so we can answer any questions you may have and even help you enroll.  

Call (888) 788-1931 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent. 

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Use our online form to have a licensed sales agent contact you.