Original Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities. It consists of two main parts: Part A, which covers hospital stays and inpatient care, and Part B, which covers outpatient services, doctor visits, and preventive care.
Beneficiaries typically pay a monthly premium for Part B and may have deductibles and coinsurance costs. Original Medicare does not cover all healthcare expenses, so many people choose to purchase additional coverage, such as Medicare Supplement Insurance or Medicare Advantage plans, to help fill in the gaps.