Original Medicare Parts A and B Benefits
What is covered? Who is Medicare eligible?
Benefits from all parts of Medicare 
Original Medicare refers to the basic health insurance coverage administered by the United States federal government for individuals aged 65 in Florida and nationwide, as well as for those under 65 with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. Original Medicare is made up of two parts: Part A and Part B.
A fee-for-service health insurance program enrolled through Social Security that has 2 parts: Part A and Part B. Florida seniors age 65 and up typically pay a shared portion of the costs for covered services as they get them. Under Original Medicare, Floridians don’t have coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan or another type of Medicare health plan. However in addition to Original Medicare a beneficiary can add a separate Medigap policy to cover some or all the out of pocket costs that go along with it.
Part A Hospital Insurance : Original Medicare Part A is a component of the federal government's Medicare program that covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A because they paid Medicare taxes during their working years.
Part A is generally provided to beneficiaries in Florida automatically when they turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare. To be eligible for Part A, you or your spouse must have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be able to purchase Part A coverage.
While Part A does not require payment of a monthly premium for most beneficiaries, it does have an annual deductible and coinsurance amounts for hospital stays and other covered services. Some services may be covered at no cost to the beneficiary, including certain preventive services and screenings.
Part B Medical Insurance : Original Medicare Part B is a component of the federal government's Medicare program that covers medically necessary services and supplies such as doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical equipment and supplies. Part B has a monthly premium that is based on income. Part B is optional, but most people wisely choose to enroll in it when they become eligible. To be eligible for Part B, United States residents here in Florida must be 65 years old or older, or have a qualifying disability or medical condition.
Enrollment in Part B typically requires payment of a monthly premium, which is based on the beneficiary's income. Part B also requires payment of an annual deductible and coinsurance for many services. Some preventive services, such as annual wellness visits and certain vaccinations, may be covered at no cost to the beneficiary.
- Services from primary doctors and other specialist health care providers
- Outpatient performed in and outside hospitals
- Home health care visits
- Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
- Preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly "Wellness" visits)
Original Medicare does not cover all healthcare services in Florida, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and hearing aids. To get additional coverage for these services, beneficiaries in Florida can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.