What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare refers to the traditional Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) plan healthcare coverage provided by the federal government under Medicare Parts A and B.

You must be Medicare Eligible and enroll in Medicare to participate in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Medicare Part B Premium covers doctor's visits, outpatient care, and some preventive services. Part D Prescription Drug plan covers prescription drug coverage and is mandated to have after you turn 65 years old, but is not directly offered by Medicare.

There are several ways you can apply for Medicare.

The Medicare Part D prescription drug plans requirement is offered by Medicare (CMS)-approved private insurance companies, (carriers). Part D has been mandated by Medicare and there are potential financial penalties if you do not have creditable prescription drug coverage after you turn 65 years old and do not have a creditable prescription drug plan.

Under Original Medicare, beneficiaries have the freedom to choose any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare. The beneficiaries are responsible for paying deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for covered services. Beneficiaries may also choose to enroll in a Medigap and Medicare Supplement plan to help cover some out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare is funded by a combination of payroll taxes, premiums paid by beneficiaries, and funding from the federal government. It is designed to provide affordable healthcare coverage to individuals who are 65 years of age or older, individuals with certain disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease.

Original Medicare is an important healthcare coverage option for millions of Americans, providing comprehensive coverage for a wide range of healthcare services. It also offers beneficiaries the flexibility to choose their healthcare providers and access care wherever they are in the United States.

There are potential financial penalties for not enrolling into Medicare Part A Late Enrollment Penalty or Medicare Part A & B Late Enrollment Penalties and possibly Late Enrollment Penalties for Part D Prescription Drug coverage