最值得购买的手机排名前三名 Best Medicare plans for seniors: Comparisons and more

Does Original Medicare provide enough coverage?Share on PinterestMoMo Productions/Getty Images

Three factors determine Original Medicare coverage:

state and federal lawsMedicare’s national coverage decisionscoverage decisions made by companies in each state that process Medicare claims

Medicare Part A covers hospitalization costs. This includes inpatient care in the hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and home healthcare. It does not include custodial or long-term care.

What does Medicare Part B cover?

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary and some preventive services. Medically necessary services are those necessary for a doctor to diagnose and treat an eligible medical condition. Individuals are responsible for paying a monthly premium for Part B services. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185. This amount may increase depending on a person’s income.

Preventive services involve procedures to prevent illness, such as the flu shot or tests that diagnose a condition at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.

Most preventive services are free of charge if they are provided by a doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, known as an in-network or participating provider.

Medicare Part B also covers:

ambulance services limited outpatient prescription medicationsinpatient and outpatient mental health services

Part B provides coverage for durable medical equipment (DME), such as:

canescrutchesblood sugar monitorshospital bedswalkerspatient liftswheelchairs

Typically, people who need DME pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost. A deductible may also apply. The plan pays for DME if a person’s doctor and equipment supplier are in Medicare’s network.

What does Original Medicare not cover?

Original Medicare does not cover ineligible medical conditions or treatments and procedures that are not medically necessary.

Part A does not typically cover medications, medical devices, or equipment that someone needs to take home.

Part B does not cover items such as:

dentures and most dental careeye exams relating to getting a prescription for glasseshearing aidsacupuncture, unless it is specifically for chronic lower back painroutine foot care»Learn more: Original Medicare