Question 1

What is Original Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Original Medicare includes Parts A and B. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, and a portion of hospice care. Part B covers physician and outpatient care.  Both Part A and B are required to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement.

Question 2

What are my premiums for Original Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Part A will be no cost for someone turning 65 who has paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters.  Part B premium is $185 monthly in 2025.

Question 3

What are the deductibles and coinsurance costs for Original Medicare in 2025?

Accepted Answer

In 2025, the Part B deductible is $257 per year. After meeting this deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved charges. For Part A, the inpatient hospital deductible is $1,676 per stay, covering the first 60 days. From days 61-90, the cost is $419 per day. Beyond 90 days, you pay $838 per "lifetime reserve day" for up to 60 days over your lifetime.

Question 4

What is Medicare Part D?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part D is what pays prescription drugs.  Usually drugs will be broken down into tears based on cost, generic, or brand.  Part A OR part B is required to enroll in Part D.  You do not have to have both to enroll in prescription Part D

Question 5

What is Medicare Part C?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage.  Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and they pay a fixed fee for your care at doctors and hospitals in the plan’s approved network.  Many times Part D is included in a Medicare Advantage plan, and additional benefits such as dental, vision and even health club memberships may be included. Premiums tend to be much lower than a Medicare Supplement plan.

Question 6

What are the two options for Medicare covage when I am turning 65?

Accepted Answer

In general, you can pick one of two options for Medicare coverage when you are turning 65, or if you currently have original Medicare (Part A+Part B)

1.  Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part C (combines all parts of Medicare into one)
2. Medicare Supplement with a stand alone Medicare part D plan (prescription coverage)

See flow chart attached.

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