Original Medicare

Federal health insurance for those 65+ or with qualifying disabilities

pay for services as you get them.

What Original Medicare covers

Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Original Medicare covers things like inpatient hospital care, doctors’ services and tests, and preventive services. You pay for services and items as you get them. You must be lawfully present in the U.S. for Medicare to pay for Part A and Part B covered services.

2 ways to find out if Medicare covers what you need:

Talk to your doctor about why you need certain services or supplies. Ask if Medicare will cover them. What happens if Medicare won’t cover a service I need?
Check coverage information on your item, service, or supply.

Medicare coverage is based on 3 main factors:

Federal and state laws.
National coverage decisions Medicare makes.
Local coverage decisions made by Medicare claims processing companies in each state. These companies decide if something is medically necessary and Medicare should cover it in their area.

Explore covered items and services and learn what Original Medicare doesn’t cover (like long-term care, dentures, and routine physical exams).

Is my test, item, or service covered?

Find out if Original Medicare covers what you need.

What Part A covers

Learn about Part A (Hospital Insurance)-covered services.

What Part B covers

Learn about Part B (Medical Insurance)-covered services.

What's not covered

Find out what Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Coordinated care programs

Find out about Medicare’s Coordinated care programs.

Getting care in a disaster or emergency

Find out how to get the help you need.