In-Depth Overview and Background of Original Medicare: Key Information and Insights

This posting covers the basics of original Medicare. Next week’s posting will cover the basics of Medicare Advantage.

• Original Medicare allows an enrollee to see any doctor of their choice who accepts original Medicare. Most specialist clinics accept original Medicare. There are 10 Medigap plans to choose from, ranging from A to N, that provide standardized coverage and can be identified with prices on www.medicare.gov.
• Original Medicare/Medigap policies don’t cover prescription drugs. Separate Medicare Part D drug plans are available from insurers.
• During the first six months after enrolling in original Medicare is the best time to purchase a Medicare supplement plan (Medigap) sold by private insurance companies to pay the 20% that original Medicare does not pay. 

Many seniors like having original Medicare with a Medigap plan because they don’t need to worry about how much is owed every time they go to a doctor or are hospitalized.

Both original Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollees must pay the monthly premium for Medicare Part B ($174.70 for 2024). Part B helps cover costs like doctors, outpatient care, and other medical services that Medicare Part A (hospitals and skilled nursing facilities) doesn’t cover. 

Visit the State Health Insurance Assistance Program website at www.shiphelp.org or call toll free 877-839-2675 to learn if there is a SHIP counselor in your area who can provide, at no cost, in-depth information about Medicare.