Golden Age FinancialOriginal Medicare
Medicare has four parts — and it’s simpler than it looks. At any given time you’ll either use Part A, B & D together, or Part C on its own. Here’s what each one does, in plain English.
The Original Medicare Program
The Original Medicare Program is currently made up of four parts. Let’s break down what each of them covers.
A, B, C & D — what each covers
Hospital (inpatient)
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Usually $0 monthly premium if you paid 40 quarters into Medicare while working. A deductible applies, with your first 60 days covered before copays and coinsurance begin.
Medical (outpatient)
Covers medically necessary outpatient care — primary care, specialists, surgeries, lab work, and preventive services. Has a monthly premium (often deducted from your Social Security), an annual deductible, then an 80/20 split where you pay 20%.
Medicare Advantage
An alternative to Original Medicare, also called MA or MAPD. Offered by private insurers, it often bundles prescription coverage plus extra benefits, usually as network plans like HMOs and PPOs.
Prescription drugs
Prescription drug coverage, available as a standalone plan (PDP) or built into a Medicare Advantage plan. It’s required that you carry creditable drug coverage when you join.
Which path is right for you?
You can pair Original Medicare with a Supplement and a Drug Plan, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan. We’ll help you weigh both.
That’s exactly what we’re here for — a free, no-pressure consultation to compare your options side by side.
By submitting your information, you acknowledge a licensed insurance agent may contact you by phone, email, or mail to discuss and quote Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Prescription Drug Plan
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