Original Medicare is used to described Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor and outpatient visits) which are administered by the federal government.
Most people are covered by Part A at no cost as they paid into the Medicare fund each year they worked before turning 65. If the enrollee or their spouse did not contribute, they can still get Part A for a monthly premium.
Part B has a premium ($144.60 in 2020) that is generally deducted from monthly social security payments. This premium is higher if the enrollee has income greater than $87k yearly.
Both Parts A and B have deductibles and copays. Part B covers 80% of most eligible treatment after deductible.
Note that neither Part A or B covers prescription drugs (Part D).
Since Medicare was put in place in 1966, further legislation has added coverage options. A supplement can be added to pay all or some of the deductibles and copays in Part A and B.
Part C, or Medicare Advantage, combines Part A , B – with or without Part D – and is administered by a private insurance carrier.
