What does "original Medicare" include?

Original Medicare specifically comprises Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is primarily related to hospital insurance, covering inpatient stays in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Meanwhile, Part B covers outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical supplies and equipment. Together, these two parts provide a comprehensive set of health benefits that form the foundation of Medicare.

Part D, which focuses on prescription drug coverage, is not included in Original Medicare; it is separate and offered through private insurance companies. Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are not part of Original Medicare either, as they combine various benefits that often include coverage beyond what Original Medicare offers and are provided through private insurers. Therefore, the accurate representation of Original Medicare is solely the combination of Part A and Part B.