Original Medicare divides coverage into two main parts: Part A, which primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, and Part B, which covers doctor visits and outpatient services.
Part A, or hospital insurance, helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and some home health care. Part B, or medical insurance, covers doctor appointments, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and other outpatient medical needs. Understanding the distinction is key to knowing what your healthcare costs might be.
This information provides a general overview and does not constitute a complete explanation of all Medicare benefits or costs.
What are the typical out-of-pocket costs for Part A and Part B?
For Part A, costs include deductibles per benefit period and coinsurance for longer hospital stays. For Part B, you'll typically pay a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and coinsurance for most services.