How do Part A and Part B together define Original Medicare?

How do Part A and Part B together define Original Medicare?

• A. Original Medicare consists of Part A inpatient coverage only.
• B. Original Medicare consists of Part A inpatient coverage and Part B outpatient/medical coverage, with costs shared between the government and beneficiary.
• C. Original Medicare includes Part C and Part D.
• D. Original Medicare covers all services with no cost-sharing.

Answer: (B)

Original Medicare is the traditional, government-administered coverage built from two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying stay, hospice, and some home health services. Part B covers outpatient services and medical care, such as doctor visits, outpatient procedures, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Together, they define Original Medicare. Costs are shared between the government and the beneficiary: there is a Part B premium (and an annual Part B deductible), and Part B coinsurance for many services; Part A involves a hospital deductible and, after certain days, daily coinsurance. The government pays a portion and beneficiaries cover the rest through these cost-sharing amounts. This arrangement is distinct from Medicare Advantage (Part C), which is private plans that bundle Parts A and B (and often Part D), and from Part D, which is drug coverage added separately.

Original Medicare is the traditional, government-administered coverage built from two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying stay, hospice, and some home health services. Part B covers outpatient services and medical care, such as doctor visits, outpatient procedures, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Together, they define Original Medicare. Costs are shared between the government and the beneficiary: there is a Part B premium (and an annual Part B deductible), and Part B coinsurance for many services; Part A involves a hospital deductible and, after certain days, daily coinsurance. The government pays a portion and beneficiaries cover the rest through these cost-sharing amounts. This arrangement is distinct from Medicare Advantage (Part C), which is private plans that bundle Parts A and B (and often Part D), and from Part D, which is drug coverage added separately.