Original Medicare
Original Medicare
Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, is managed by the federal government and provides Medicare eligible individuals with coverage for and access to doctors, hospitals, or other health care providers who accept Medicare. Part A includes hospital coverage, as well as some short term post-hospital care. Part A does not cover long-term care. Part B is your medical insurance, including doctors visits, laboratory testing, and some preventative care. Part A and Part B do not include certain services, such as dental services. In addition, they do not cover Prescription drug plans. If you are on Original Medicare, you will need to sign up for a Part D plan in order to receive prescription drug coverage.
How much does Part A cost?
Most beneficiaries will pay nothing for Medicare Part A. We all pay taxes during our working years that are specifically for our future healthcare coverage during retirement. These taxes go to offset the cost of Part A later on. As long as you have worked for 10 years (40 quarters) in your lifetime in the United States, you will generally pay nothing at all for Part A. If you or your spouse have not worked 10 years in the U.S., the monthly premium for part A is up to $413/month in 2017. People with less than 40 quarters work experience but more than 30 quarters can get a pro-rated premium.
How much does Part B cost?
The majority of Americans will pay the standard monthly amount set by the government. In 2017, this is $104.90/month for most people, but is $134 for people new to Medicare. However, you may owe more if your income is above a certain level.