Navigating the healthcare landscape can be a daunting task, particularly for those new to Medicare. Understanding what is and isn’t covered by your insurance can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs and manage your expenses. Original Medicare, which includes Parts A and B, provides coverage for a wide range of medical services and treatments, but it’s important to know what is covered and what is not. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and limitations of Original Medicare coverage, including the services covered under Parts A and B, as well as some common services and treatments that are not covered. By understanding these benefits and limitations, you can make informed decisions about your healthcare and avoid unexpected expenses.
Original Medicare Explained
Original Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for people aged 65 and older, as well as those with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. The program is administered by the federal government and consists of two main parts: Part A and Part B.
Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Part B covers outpatient medical services, including doctor visits, preventive care, medical equipment, and other services. Both parts of Original Medicare are funded by a combination of payroll taxes, premiums paid by beneficiaries, and other sources of government funding.
While Original Medicare provides broad coverage for a range of medical services, it does not cover all healthcare expenses. To help cover these kinds of expenses, some beneficiaries choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap policy, which provides additional coverage beyond Original Medicare.
Overall, Original Medicare is an important resource for millions of Americans, providing access to vital healthcare services for seniors and people with disabilities. However, beneficiaries need to understand what is and isn’t covered under the program and consider their options for supplementing their coverage to ensure they have the care they need.
What Original Medicare Covers
Original Medicare covers a very wide range of medical services and treatments. Here is a breakdown of what is covered under Parts A and B:
Part A:
- Inpatient hospital care: This includes hospital stays, semiprivate room accommodations, meals, and other necessary services and supplies.
- Skilled nursing facility care: This includes skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services provided in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay.
- Hospice care: This includes palliative care for people with terminal illnesses and their families, including nursing care, counseling, and other support services.
- Home health care: This includes skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, and medical social services provided in the home.
Part B:
- Doctor visits: This includes visits to primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers.
- Preventive care: This includes services like flu shots, screenings for cancer and other diseases, and other preventive services.
- Medical equipment: This includes equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and other durable medical equipment.
- Ambulance services: This includes emergency transportation services to a hospital or other medical facility.
- Outpatient mental health care: This includes services like counseling, psychotherapy, and other mental health treatments.
- Clinical laboratory tests: This includes diagnostic tests like blood tests, urinalysis, and other lab services.
- Outpatient surgeries: This includes procedures like cataract surgery, hernia repair, and other surgeries performed on an outpatient basis.
It’s important to note that while Original Medicare covers a broad range of services, there are limitations and exclusions but more on that later. Some beneficiaries choose to supplement their coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap policy to cover these expenses.
What Original Medicare Doesn’t Cover
Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), does not cover all healthcare expenses.
Here are some of the services that are typically not covered by Original Medicare:
- Prescription drugs: Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs. To get coverage for prescription drugs, you need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
- Dental care: Routine dental care, such as checkups, cleanings, fillings, and dentures, is not covered by Original Medicare.
- Vision care: Routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses are generally not covered by Original Medicare.
- Hearing aids: Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids or routine hearing exams.
- Long-term care: Original Medicare does not cover long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
- Acupuncture: While some Medicare Advantage plans cover acupuncture, Original Medicare does not cover this type of alternative therapy.
- Cosmetic surgery: Original Medicare does not cover cosmetic surgery unless it is medically necessary to improve function or correct a deformity.
It’s important to note that while Original Medicare does not cover these services, some Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage for some of them.
Who can Benefit from Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is available to individuals who are 65 or older and those with certain disabilities. It can also provide coverage for individuals with permanent kidney failure (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), regardless of age.
For individuals who are 65 or older, Original Medicare can be a valuable resource for covering medical expenses. It provides coverage for hospital care, including inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care. It also provides coverage for physician visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment and supplies. Original Medicare can help seniors manage the cost of healthcare and provide peace of mind knowing that they have health insurance coverage in case of unexpected health events.
For people with disabilities, Original Medicare can also be an important source of coverage. Those with ESRD who require regular dialysis or a kidney transplant can receive coverage through Original Medicare. Similarly, individuals with ALS are eligible for immediate Medicare coverage upon diagnosis. This coverage can help individuals with disabilities manage the high cost of healthcare that may result from their medical conditions. Overall, Original Medicare can provide an important safety net for individuals who need access to healthcare services and cannot afford to pay for them out of pocket.
Final Words
Original Medicare is a valuable resource for many seniors and individuals with certain disabilities, covering a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, physician services, and medical equipment. However, there are significant gaps in coverage that individuals should be aware of, such as prescription drugs, and dental, vision, and hearing care. Additionally, cost-sharing requirements and the lack of coverage for long-term care services can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring ongoing medical care. Therefore, individuals need to consider their specific healthcare needs and explore additional coverage options, such as Medicare Advantage or supplemental insurance, to ensure they have the comprehensive coverage they need.
Dr. Susan Johnson is a Medicare Health Advisor with extensive knowledge and experience in health insurance, particularly Medicare. She has spent over 15 years working in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
As a Medicare Health Advisor, Dr. Johnson specializes in helping people navigate the complex world of health insurance, including original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplements, and Medicare Part D. She is committed to providing personalized guidance to her clients, helping them make informed decisions about their coverage and reduce their healthcare costs.