If you are enrolled into Social Security you may be automatically enrolled into Original Medicare. Others might have to manually enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period which occurs when you turn 65 or you might be legally disabled and gain access early. Regardless of how you obtain Original Medicare, it’s important that you know what the coverage involves!
Part A
Part A is the Hospital part of Original Medicare and primarily provides coverage for inpatient hospital services. Other coverage from Part A includes:
- Skilled rehab in home or facility care
- Hospice care
Part B
Part B is the Doctor part of Original Medicare and provides coverage for outpatient care and services. Part B also provides coverage for:
- Preventive services
- Medically necessary services
- Emergency Transport
- Diagnostic Procedures
- Mental health services
- Durable medical equipment
Do I Need Both Parts of Original Medicare?
When you first become eligible for Medicare, you’ll either be automatically enrolled in both Part A and Part B, or you will need to enroll yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period. If you have to enroll yourself, you will most likely enroll in Part A, but you can choose to enroll in Part B or not if you have other creditable coverage such as group employer benefits or VA/Tricare benefits. Keep in mind that if you do not have other creditable coverage, delaying your enrollment in Part B can cause you to pay late enrollment penalties. It could also stop you from being eligible to enroll into other Medicare plans, such as Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Supplements (Medigap).
Ultimately, having both parts of Original Medicare is optional! But, we do recommend enrolling in both as soon as you become eligible.
Have Medicare Questions? We Can Help!
We’re excited to help you through your Original Medicare journey and make sure you have the right coverage for your medical needs. Make an appointment with us today to ensure that you’re on the right track when it comes to insurance.
We hope to hear from you and be able to provide our expertise. Our team is full of experts that understand just how confusing Medicare can be, so we can help answer your questions!
