Original Medicare

Close-up of Medicare card with paperclip

What is Original Medicare

Medicare is the U.S. federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 or older. It also covers younger individuals with specific disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS.

Two Parts of Original Medicare

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance):

    Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

  • Part B (Medical Insurance):

    Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

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Eligibility and Cost

  • Age:

    Most become eligible at 65.

  • Part A Cost:

    Usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years while working.

  • Part B Cost:

    Most people pay a monthly premium.
    The base premium is $202.90 in 2026 for those with incomes under $106,000.

  • Enrollment:

    Many are automatically enrolled if already receiving Social Security benefits; otherwise, you must sign up during specific windows, such as the Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday.

How Much Does It Cost for Medicare-covered Services?

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Deductible:

    • $1,736 per benefit period (not per year).
    • Inpatient Hospital Coinsurance:
    • Days 1–60: $0 after the deductible.
    • Days 61–90: $434 per day.
    • Days 91–150: $868 per “lifetime reserve day”.

  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Annual Deductible:

    $283.

  • Coinsurance:

    Typically, 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services after meeting the deductible.