What is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is the traditional, federally administered health insurance program for people 65 and older (and certain younger people with disabilities). It has two parts that work together:
- Part A — Hospital coverage: inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and limited home health.
- Part B — Medical coverage: doctor visits, outpatient procedures, preventive care, and durable medical equipment.
- You're free to see any doctor, hospital, or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare — no network restrictions.
The benefits
- Nationwide provider access — travel and seasonal residents love this.
- Flexibility to see specialists without referrals.
- Government-administered coverage that's stable and predictable.
- A simple, standardized structure most providers understand.
The limitations
Original Medicare alone doesn't cover everything you might expect:
- There's no annual out-of-pocket maximum, so unexpected costs can add up.
- Prescription drugs are generally not included — you'd need a separate Part D plan.
- Routine dental, vision, and hearing care aren't covered.
- You'll still pay deductibles, coinsurance, and copays unless you add supplemental coverage.
Original Medicare at a glance
Part A
Hospital coverage
Part B
Medical coverage
Where Scott fits in
Most people pair Original Medicare with either a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan plus a Part D prescription plan, or replace it with a Medicare Advantage plan. Scott will walk you through the trade-offs based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget — without pressure.