Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
The federal foundation every other plan builds on.
Overview
Original Medicare is run by the federal government and is the starting point for almost everyone turning 65. Part A (hospital insurance) is premium-free for most people who worked 10 years or more. Part B (medical insurance) has a monthly premium and an annual deductible.
On its own, Original Medicare pays about 80 percent of approved Part B costs and has no yearly out-of-pocket maximum. That open-ended 20 percent is why most of our Sarasota clients pair it with a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D drug plan, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead.
We help you decide whether to take Part B now or delay it because of employer coverage, and we make sure you never pay a late enrollment penalty by mistake.
What's included
Inpatient hospital care
Semi-private room, meals, nursing and hospital services under Part A.
Skilled nursing facility
Short-term rehab after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay, up to 100 days per benefit period.
Doctor and specialist visits
Office visits, surgeon fees and outpatient procedures under Part B.
Preventive screenings
Annual wellness visit, mammograms, colonoscopies and flu shots at no cost when the provider accepts assignment.
Durable medical equipment
Walkers, wheelchairs, CPAP machines and diabetic supplies when medically necessary.
Hospice and home health
Intermittent skilled home care and hospice services for qualifying patients.
How we help you choose
Our process for original medicare takes about an hour of your time, spread over one or two conversations.
Confirm your timing
We check your birth date, employer coverage and Social Security status to find your enrollment window.
Sign up for Parts A and B
We walk you through the Social Security application online or by phone, step by step.
Fill the gaps
We compare Supplement, Advantage and Part D options from the carriers we represent.
Review every fall
We check your drugs and doctors against next year's plans during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Why people choose it
See any doctor who takes Medicare
No referrals and no networks. Useful for snowbirds who split time between Florida and up north.
Predictable federal rules
Coverage rules are set nationally and do not change by carrier or county.
Pairs with a Supplement
Add a Medigap plan to cap your exposure and make costs predictable.
What it costs
Costs depend on your county, carrier and income. These sample figures help you budget.
| Cost | Sample amount | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Part A premium | $0 | For most people with 40 quarters of work history |
| Part A hospital deductible | $1,736 | Per benefit period (sample 2026 figure) |
| Part B standard premium | $202.90/mo | Higher incomes pay more (IRMAA), sample 2026 figure |
| Part B annual deductible | $283 | Sample 2026 figure |
| Part B coinsurance | 20% | Of the Medicare-approved amount, no annual cap |
Figures are samples for illustration and are not a quote. Confirm current amounts on Medicare.gov or with a licensed agent.
Original Medicare questions
Ask us anything else on a free call.
Part A is premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (about 10 years). Otherwise you can buy it, and we can help you check your work record.
If you have creditable group coverage from an employer with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without penalty. We review your employer plan before you decide.
Only drugs given in a hospital or doctor's office. For pharmacy prescriptions you need a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
You may wait until the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) and pay a permanent 10 percent Part B penalty for each full year you were eligible but not enrolled.
Get help with Original Medicare
Free, no-pressure help comparing the plans we offer in your county. Most calls take about 20 minutes.
Licensed agents. TTY 711. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-2pm ET.
