Part A and B

• Part A (Hospital Benefits) and
• Part B (Medical Benefits)

However, Part A and B don’t cover everything. Click here for a list of services not covered by Part A and Part B  If you’re looking for additional benefits, consider a Medicare Advantage Plan

Not Sure if You Have Part A or B?
Your coverage is listed on your red, white and blue Medicare card. If you have Part A, "Hospital (Part A)" is printed on the lower left corner of your card. If you have Part B, "Medical (Part B)" is printed under "Hospital (Part A)".

Part A
Part A helps cover medically necessary inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and home health services. You must meet certain conditions to get these benefits. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care.

Read more about Part A Benefits »

Most people don’t pay a Part A premium because they paid Medicare taxes while working. However, there is a deductible for inpatient hospital stays and blood.

Part B
Part B is optional coverage that helps cover doctors’ services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover, and some preventive services.

Read more about Part B Benefits »

You must pay a Part B premium each month and a deductible each year.  As of Jan 2007, the premium is based on your income. If you decide not to take Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a penalty if you decide to get Part B later.

Costs Under Part A and B
Medicare doesn’t pay all your medical costs. Under Parts A and B, you must pay a deductible (a dollar amount you must spend each year before Medicare pays its share). After you pay the deductible, you may have to pay a coinsurance amount (a percentage of the dollar amount charged) or a copayment amount (a fixed dollar amount) for some benefits. You may also have to pay a premium. These payments are called out-of-pocket expenses.