What is Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)
Original Medicare is a combination of 2 parts—Part A (Hospitalization Benefits) and Part B (Doctor Benefits and Out-Patient). Both of these programs are managed through the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) which is a division of the Health and Human Services Agency of the Federal Government
Benefits Covered By Original Medicare
Hospital Insurance is known as Part A. It is responsible for inpatient hospital stays, some care at skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.
Doctor Benefits and Outpatient is known as Part B. It is responsible for many trips to visit your doctor or specialist, outpatient procedures, and many wellness or preventative care services
What Is Not Covered?
There are some gaps in coverage with Original Medicare (Part A & B) Here are some common examples of what would not be covered:
Most Care outside of the US
Personal expenses while hospitalized like TV or Phone
LTC or Custodial Care
Days spent in psychiatric hospital beyond certain limits
Eye examinations, eyeglasses, contact lens
Hearing exams or hearing aids
Dental exams, cleanings, or routine dental care
Most Prescription Drugs
Wellness Benefits – Gym Memberships
Acupuncture
Don’t Worry, even though Medicare might not cover these services there are plans available that you can enroll in that will cover the majority of these procedures
Please remember, Medicare Supplement or Medigap Plans can fill quite a few gaps to eliminate out-of-pocket costs. There are 10 plans available in 2021 with different benefits all mandated and standardized by the Federal Government.
How Does Original Medicare Work?
Many American seniors are going to become eligible for Original Medicare once they turn 65 years old, although there are some exceptions, such as disability or certain diseases such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
Usually, three months before your 65th birthday you are going to receive your Medicare card (red, white, and blue card) in the mail, and you’ll instantly be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B. Medicare Part A is generally free, whereas Medicare Part B does have a monthly premium which can vary based on earnings.
In the event you have not received your Medicare Card, you might have to sign up for Medicare Part A and B on your own. Please be aware, if you have not received a card or signed up for Medicare, you might have to wait until the initial enrollment period. This period is 7 months long, 3 months prior to your birth month, your birth month, and then 3 months after that.
There is some information you will need to sign up for Original Medicare. You will need to visit the nearest Social Security Office. You can also call the Social Security department at 800-772-1213. You can also apply online at http://www.ssa.gov
Once enrolled, you are going to have access to your Original Medicare benefits (Part A and Part B). Among the greatest things about Medicare, apart from the affordable price, the actual capability to go to just about any healthcare provider.
Nearly all physicians, medical facilities, hospitals, and medical suppliers accept Medicare patients, therefore you do not have to be concerned about provider networks.
Original Medicare does carry several of the very same out-of-pocket expenses as traditional health insurance. You’ll, most likely, be asked to spend a deductible before Medicare benefits kick in. After your deductible is actually paid, you still could have various other costs like copayments or maybe coinsurance, unless you’ve decided to purchase an extra Medicare program to help cover the costs.