Can you just have A and B and not enroll in anything else and still have good coverage?

Question

Joshua Ruiz · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have just Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), but it does not provide the full coverage most people need.

Original Medicare (A & B) covers about 80% of approved medical costs, which means you’re responsible for the remaining 20%—with no cap on out-of-pocket costs. It also doesn’t include things like prescription drug coverage (Part D), dental, vision, or hearing.

To help fill those gaps, most people choose one of the following:

Medicare Supplement + Part D: Covers the 20% and helps reduce unexpected medical costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C): All-in-one plans that include A, B, often D, and extras like dental or vision.

So while A & B alone is technically “enough” to get by, it can leave you financially vulnerable. Most beneficiaries find better protection by adding coverage.

Gary Church · Answer

Yes! There could be a financial cost that you could face if you needed care. Since Medicare is a 80-20 health plan. (No cap)

Mike Alexander · Answer

With just A & b only you will be responsible for 20% out of pocket with no cap on costs,
We recommend getting a medigap or a Part C plan to reduce your out of pocket and protect you from financial burden

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Right. Thanks for watching. My name is Steve, and I'm the husband, half of the husband and wife Medicare team here in Arizona. The question is, can you have just Part A and Part B and not enroll in anything else and still have good coverage? Well, I mean, it's good coverage, but the problem is that you're going to have deductibles and co-pays under Part A, and you're going to have costs. You're going to have 20% cost on Part B, so if you don't have anything else supporting that, you're going to have a problem. Well, if you never go, it's not a problem. But if you go and get services, it can get really expensive, especially if you go into the hospital. But yeah, I have come across several people that just have A and B, and what I tell them is if you don't want to pay for anything else, go with the Medicare Advantage plan, especially here in Arizona. Coverage is great. You know, the Phoenix, Scottsdale, the Valley here. Coverage is great. You typically get a dental benefit, and the networks are phenomenal because there are so many 65 plus people here. Most of them are zero premium, so it kind of costs you nothing each month. But it would cover most, if not all, of the A and B services underneath. So it just doesn't make sense not to have something.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Having Medicare parts A & B alone will provide a substantial amount of coverage, but probably not enough to make you feel comfortable. Plus, there are several things that traditional Medicare doesn't cover at all, primarily, prescription medications.

Since Medicare does not cover prescription medications, you will need to add Part D. This is done by enrolling in a stand alone drug plan .

Both your Part A and Part B will have deductibles and copays. These amounts can add up to be significant, even catastrophic, if you experience a serious illness or injury. Traditional Medicare does not have a cap on these expenses. 

So there really isn't a yes or no answer.  If you never need much care then Traditional Medicare can be fine. However, insurance is made to protect you from unforeseen events that could cost a lot. By adding either a Medicare supplement or Advantage plan, you can protect yourself from the financial cost of a  catastrophic event.

William Lawler · Answer

Yes. You can have Parts A and B and have the standard Medicare coverage of 80/20. However, there is no limit on the 20% that is your part of the coverage. Medigap and Advantage plans cover a lot of additional costs that Medicare alone does not. Bill, contact me.

Answered by William Lawler on August 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent

Terri Reagin · Answer

Yes and no. Yes in the sense that the deductible isn’t sky high but there is NO maximum to original Medicare. People rarely hit the maximums on advantage plans but things like cancer and dialysis could be a disaster without a Medicare supplement to go with Original Medicare or an advantage plan to put a maximum on the situation

Answered by Terri Reagin on September 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

George Ibanez · Answer

Medicare A and B are great, however, they have large deductibles, and you would be responsible for 20% of the bill with no cap which will potentially bankrupt you if you have a major medical expense.
I have seen medical bills over 500K and you definitely do not want to be responsible for 20% of a large bill, so my recommendation would be to get a Medicare supplement to take care of the 20% that Medicare will not cover for you.

Voss Speros · Answer

Voss Speros here, Greek god of Medicare. The Medicare question of the day is, can I just be enrolled in A and B and nothing else and still have good coverage? Yes and no. So you're just enrolled in A and B, you have Medicare hospitals and doctors. You're covered. Boom, you're done. That's an 80/20. So it covers 80% of your health care in general. You're responsible for 20%. That's great coverage, but now you gotta come out of pocket for 20%. And then you don't have a drug plan either. Just A and B, no drug plan. So there's no help with drugs. You got to come out of pocket for all your drugs unless you have to restart. You can use that. Let's say later in life you need help with drugs and you want to get a drug plan. Now you have a penalty for not taking a drug plan back when you first got Part A and B. And that's basically 1% of the average cost on a monthly basis, which is about 33 cents a month for 20 months. If you don't have it, just add that up. That'll be your lifetime penalty. So don't do that. And the only great thing is if you could afford the 20%, sure, by all means do it. But if you're going on A and B, you might as well get a supplemental plan. Pay that 150 a month, whatever it is. So you have that 20% coverage or an advantage. I mean, if you're really healthy and you're like, I just want coverage just in case, yeah. But just A and B, yeah, it's amazing coverage. You're just paying a lot out of pocket for that. Hope that helps answer the question. If you need any help, give us a call. Send an agent out. Have a great day!

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

Not really. A & B only cover 80% of all medical costs. You are far better off signing up for a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan.

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Question, can you have A and B and not enroll in anything else and still have good coverage? Original Medicare, just parts A and B, that's the $64,000 question, which it may cost you out of pocket if you only have parts A and B. You really need to see someone like myself here at my State Farm Agency on Kelly Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, who can give you your other options in addition to parts A and B, maybe a supplement or maybe looking at Medicare Advantage. Remember, on part A you have a deductible, and on part B you have an out-of-pocket cost of 20%. In other words, whatever the cost on part B is, the government will pay 80%, and you are responsible for the other 20% with no out-of-pocket maximum. So $64,000, believe me, can be reached. So talk with someone like myself, I'd be glad to help you. We'll give you all the good and bad of Original Medicare, we'll give you the good and bad about Medicare Supplement, the good and bad about Medicare Advantage, and we'll provide great information so that you can make a good decision for you and your family. I'd be glad to help.

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

You can, but you will be subject to the Medicare deductibles which for 2026 is over $1700 for hospitalization and can happen multiple times per year. Your 20% for some things can be much higher than if on a Medicare Advantage plan as well. Original Medicare also has no Max out of pocket so your costs just keep going all year. Medicare Advantage plans at least have a cap or a max out of pocket so you know what your worst case scenario is for treatments like Chemo or infusions. You can have just A and B but the coverage may not be as good or predictable.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Christy Jones · Answer

I personally would not say that would be ‘good coverage’. You will only have 80% coverage since Part A and Part B cover 80%. If you only have Part A and Part B, you are leaving yourself open for the possibility of huge and devastating medical bills.

Answered by Christy Jones on September 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Christy Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

That's the worst idea I have heard all day. Although 11% of the Medicare population has no other coverage, it's a very, very bad (and risky) idea.

Think of this: if you need $ 500,000-worth of chemotherapy, Part B Medicare will pay 80% of the bill and the rest of it (20%) will be on you.

Alternatively, a $ 0 (zero) premium Advantage plan will protect you with something called an "out of pocket maximum." The MOOP or Max out of Pocket will limit your exposure to a big bill like that.

Case closed!

Kerwyn Jones · Answer

Yes! You can. However, I wouldn't recommend doing that. You are required to have creditable prescriptions drug coverage. Not having it will result in a penalty when you eventually sign up. Further more, paying for drugs out of pocket could be very costly. Not a good idea.

Answered by Kerwyn Jones on October 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 21 other states

Answered by Kerwyn Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Luke Rhoads · Answer

It depends on your definition of good coverage. You can enroll in Part A and B and nothing else, but it leaves significant exposure to medical expenses such as inpatient hospitalization, 20% of your out patient services, and prescription drug costs.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on June 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Potter · Answer

You are not required to add anything to Medicare A and B.  However, I have 3 primary issues with the Medicare alone option.

1.  Medicare does not limit your liability, which is to say that you could get hit with significant bills, EVEN THOUGH you have Medicare.
2. Medicare alone does not cover Prescription Drugs, which can get pretty expensive.
3. You may miss the opportunity to get a Medicare Supplement.

However, If you have a lot of VA Medical Benefits like CHAMP, I recommend only Medicare A & B because the other issues above are covered by VA.

Andrew Firmin · Answer

Can I just have original Medicare Parts A and B and still have good coverage? Well, that depends on your financial situation. What you need to understand is under original Medicare, under Part A, there's a deductible per hospital occurrence. And you may have co-pays for extended skilled nursing stays. For your Part B coverage, things that cover your medical needs, like doctors' appointments, lab work, and durable medical equipment, Medicare has a small Part B annual deductible. But after that, Medicare only covers 80%. This means you're on the hook for paying the other 20% of your doctor's bills, emergency room visits, and medical equipment.

Now, that 20% does not have a cap, so your financial risk could be unlimited based on what your healthcare needs are. For that reason, there are two ways you can go about protecting your financial wellness in covering those gaps. The first is a Medicare supplement, also known as a Medigap plan. And then option two, the other way, is what is called a Medicare Advantage or Part C.

Now, which way you go to fill in those coverage gaps depends a lot on what your healthcare needs are, what the available plans are in your area, and what your overall financial well-being is, along with your appetite to manage risk. So yes, you can only have Medicare Parts A and B; however, that will leave you significantly exposed to high co-pays and potentially unlimited cost-sharing for your doctor's appointments. I hope that provides some direction. Until next time, be healthy and be well.

Sandy Johnson · Answer

No. If you have only original Medicare, Parts A & B, you must also have Part D to be considered "Creditably Covered". I highly recommend that you go beyond that options and I'm here to help you understand why and make a sound decision that works for you.

Answered by Sandy Johnson on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Sandy Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

David Wynne · Answer

To avoid potential life time penalties you would need Part D for prescription drugs, Part A covers hospital stays, and Part B covers things like doctor visits and outpatient care. For some people, especially if you're pretty healthy and don't take a lot of medications, that might feel like enough. But it’s important to know that Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything — it won’t pay for prescriptions, dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care. Plus, there’s no limit on how much you could end up paying out-of-pocket, and you’d be responsible for deductibles and 20% of most medical costs under Part B. That’s why a lot of people choose to add a drug plan (Part D), a Medigap policy to help with extra costs, or go with a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles everything together.

Answered by David Wynne on August 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, GA, MI, NC & PA

Answered by David Wynne Medicare Insurance Agent

Brady Haffner · Answer

You must have a drug plan with your part A and B, that is the bare minimum before you can be fined by the government.

Rose Cahill · Answer

Short answer is yes you can. However, your coverage will be limited. Medicare A&B is referred to as Original Medicare and will cover about 80% of your expenses. However, there is no maximum out-of-pocket so your 20% has no cap. If you have an expensive health issue, it could be very costly to you. It also doesn't provide you with anything else, like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision or hearing insurance. You would be better off considering adding a $0 premium Advantage Plan to help defray the 20% not covered by Medicare. A lot more value at no extra cost to you!

Answered by Rose Cahill on June 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA

Answered by Rose Cahill Medicare Insurance Agent

Kim Fisher · Answer

You can but you would not have drug coverage and if you ever enroll in drug plan you will have a penalty of 1% for every month you went without drug coverage. Also regular Medicare does not have a stop loss level where you would be 100% covered.

Answered by Kim Fisher on July 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC

Answered by Kim Fisher Medicare Insurance Agent

Holly Douglas · Answer

You can just have original Medicare A and B. However, if you do not sign up for a prescription drug plan and later want to enroll you will have a penalty. Also with only A and B you have a hospital deductible and other a part b deductible as well a share of other part b services.

Answered by Holly Douglas on October 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN & KY

Answered by Holly Douglas Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason Wisniewski · Answer

If you only have A and B you will have unlimited out of pocket expenses because there is no out of pocket maximum with Original Medicare.  You also have no prescription drug coverage, no dental coverage, no vision coverage and no coverage for hearing benefits 

You won't even be able to get an annual physical exam because Original Medicare only covers a physical once in your lifetime

It is far better to get a Medicare Advantage plan (often for $0 additional premium) that includes your preferred doctors if you cant afford a Medigap policy

Rob Taylor · Answer

Yes, you absolutely can stay with just Medicare Parts A and B and not enroll in anything else. For some people, that works fine. The key is understanding the financial risk you may be keeping.

Under Medicare Part B, after you meet the annual deductible, Medicare generally pays about 80% of covered outpatient and medical services, and you’re responsible for the remaining 20%.

What many people don’t realize is that Original Medicare does not have an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit on that 20%. That means your share can continue to grow if medical expenses become significant.

Example:
$500 in Medicare-approved Part B expenses = about $100 out of your pocket.
$100,000 in Medicare-approved Part B expenses = about $20,000 out of your pocket.

Because there’s no built-in cap on that 20%, I often call it an “asset eater.” A major illness, cancer treatment, dialysis, surgery, or ongoing outpatient care can start eating into retirement savings faster than many people realize.

That’s one reason many beneficiaries choose to explore additional protection, such as a Medicare Supplement plus a prescription drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, depending on their health, prescriptions, doctors, and budget.

The right answer depends on the individual, but understanding your risk exposure first is always a good place to start.

Joshua Cooper · Answer

If you have A&B you are not covered adequately.  Original medicare only covers 80% of your coinsurance leaving you with too much risk.  20% coinsurance without a cap is a recipe for disaster.

Dave Boehm · Answer

Yes, you can definitely do that. However, you leave yourself exposed in a 2 major ways.

1-You will have to deal with the part A deductible, part of B deductible, a few other gaps in coverage, the massive 20% coinsurance payment under part B, and the largest one of them all no maximum out-of-pocket.   Having no maximum out-of-pocket, it’s extremely risky.

2-you will have a drug plan penalty if you don’t pick up a part D

Monica Butler · Answer

Of course you can. But if you ever have to be admitted into the hospital you run the chance of paying lots of money out our your pocket. Original Medicare doesn’t pay for everything. Just make sure that you get a RX plan so that you don’t incur a penalty.

Answered by Monica Butler on June 8, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Monica Butler Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

It is possible, however, you need to take into consideration your individual healthcare needs and financial situation. Supplemental coverage, such as a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a Medigap plan, or Part D for prescription drugs, may be better for you depending on your health.

Answered by Diana Garner on June 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN

Answered by Diana Garner Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Tretola · Answer

The short answer is yes; however, you must realize that Part B (the medical part) only pays 80%, and you may be responsible for the remaining 20%. The plus of just having Part A and B is that there generally are no networks, prior approvals, or preauthorizations......... and you only pay monthly for Part B. It is all about understanding what each type of coverage each type of insurance provides.

Answered by Jim Tretola on November 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in NJ, CA, CT & 6 other states

Answered by Jim Tretola Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

Only if you have employer coverage. The 20% coinsurance that Medicare A& B doesn’t cover exposes you to potential high out of pocket cost when it comes to hospitalization, surgery of any other catastrophic event. Also Medicare A & B doesn’t have an out of pocket maximum which is the reason why it’s important to have addition coverage such a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan to offset the expenses.

Answered by Timothy Brown on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Watkins · Answer

What does Medicare cover and not cover? To answer this question, we need to take a look at the two different parts of Medicare. Medicare Part A is your hospital coverage, and Part B is your medical coverage. For Part A, typically people do not pay a premium unless you did not work for at least 40 quarters within your lifetime. But Part A is gonna cover your inpatient hospital care, some skilled nursing care, and hospice care. There is a deductible of $1,676 every time you go in the hospital. If you're there more than 60 days, there's a co-pay of $419 per day. From day 91 to 150, it goes up to $838 per day. After that, you'll be paying for everything as it is not covered. For skilled nursing facility care, Medicare will cover you for the first 20 days, and then after that, it's $209.50 per day up to day 100. After day 100, you're not covered, so everything will be out of pocket.

Your Part B covers your doctor services, your outpatient services, including surgery and some other services and supplies that are not covered by Part A. There is a premium for your Part B. Most people will pay $185 per month, but it does go up based on your income. Part B has an annual deductible of $257. After that, 20% is what your co-insurance would be. So there are two different types of plans that you can get: Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage to cover the things that Medicare does not cover.

Your Part B covers your doctor services, your outpatient services, including surgery and some other services and supplies that are not covered by Part A. There is a premium for your Part B. Most people will pay $185 per month, but it does go up based on your income. Part B has an annual deductible of $257. After that, 20% is what your co-insurance would be. So there are two different types of plans that you can get: Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage to cover the things that Medicare does not cover.

Gus Karigan · Answer

Parts A and B cover 80% coverage.  You need to fill the gap with a medigap/supplement to pick up the 20% outstanding balance.

Deb Haley · Answer

You may enroll in original Medicare Part A and B, but you must also secure a part D plan to cover your prescription medications. If you do not have a Part D plan even if you don't take medications at all you will receive a late enrollment penalty. 

Depending on your health needs and your budget it's always a good idea once you have Part A and B to look at Medicare advantage plan offerings in your area or a supplement plan with a part D added. 

Most Medicare advantage plans include prescription coverage which satisfies the requirement to have a part D plan.

Richard Kozlowski · Answer

At the very least, you should add a Part D Rx plan to avoid any future penalties. You may also want to learn about the gaps in original Medicare before making any decisions

Always open to a call.
Rich Kozlowski
Contact me.

Constance Phillips · Answer

You can keep original Medicare, which is considered Part A and Part B, but you will also need a prescription plan, which is Part D. If you do not have that prescription plan, you will be penalized for the rest of your life. That penalty is decided upon by a formula that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has established.

But just remember, with only A and B, you will be responsible for 20% of all your medical expenses. So if you don't have a supplement, which is a Medigap plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, which is Part C, you will incur a lot of medical debt that you alone will be responsible for.

So that's a big decision. But just keep in mind that would be a lot of money that you would be responsible for. For example, if you get a test, say an MRI or a CT scan, Medicare will pay 80% of that. And those tests can be very expensive, so you would be responsible for that 20%.

Rob Campbell · Answer

No, if you only have a and B you could be responsible for up to 35% of any hospital bills. $100,000 hospital bill which honestly is nothing these days could cost you $35,000 or more.

Lou Spatafore · Answer

Yes, you can enroll in Medicare parts A&B and have a plan in place to cover most of your medical costs. You will still have deductibles and copays. Without a Medigap or Advantage plan you could be subject to very high out of pocket costs that could effect your financial retirement plan in a negative way.

Answered by Lou Spatafore on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, FL, GA & 10 other states

Answered by Lou Spatafore Medicare Insurance Agent

Stephanie Yarberough · Answer

Medicare A&B is a necessary starting point, but does not offer comprehensive coverage. There is no drug coverage included with Medicare A&B for starters, and there is still some large out-of-pocket exposure, such as an uncapped 20% coinsurance on all medical services. This is why a Medicare Supplement and Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan is always recommended to put in place in addition to Medicare A&B.

Answered by Stephanie Yarberough on March 17, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA

Answered by Stephanie Yarberough Medicare Insurance Agent

Darlene Cerezo Swaffar · Answer

It really depends on where you live and what Medicare Insurance options are being offered. I would suggest going on the medicare.gov website and search for the plans and benefits available in your zip code. Keep in mind that original Medicare does not provide prescription drug coverage or extra benefits such as dental, vision or hearing. If you stay with Original Medicare as your primary insurance, you will have to consider adding those benefits for an additional premium. Medicare does require you to have Part D Prescription Drug coverage and delaying the enrollment may incur a penalty in the future.

Answered by Darlene Cerezo Swaffar on October 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Darlene Cerezo Swaffar Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Hamilton · Answer

It depends on how you define "good coverage" .  Parts A and B only cover 80% of your treatment and have deductibles to meet.

You are responsible for 20% after meeting the deductibles.  That might be fine if your doctor removes a mole and charges $1000-you have to pay $200.

On the other hand, should you need a triple bypass that may cost $175,000. that 20% becomes a financial issue for most folks.

Bottom line is that adding a Medigap or Advantage plan provides the coverage most people will need at some point in their life.

Hope that helps.

Payal Acharya · Answer

Original Medicare will only pay 80% of the cost ,the rest of the 20% remaining will be your responsibility. This 20% can add up depending on the health condition. Also, you still need to get a stand alone Part D for your prescriptions.

Answered by Payal Acharya on July 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, NH & TX

Answered by Payal Acharya Medicare Insurance Agent

David Tedrow · Answer

A & B alone is legally valid Medicare — but financially dangerous for most people.
It’s like driving a nice car with no collision insurance.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, it's possible to have good coverage with just Part A and Part B of Medicare, also known as Original Medicare. You're essentially using the federal government's basic health insurance program. While you might consider additional coverage options like Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (prescription drug coverage), you can have a well-rounded plan by sticking to Part A and B and adding a supplement. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Part A and Part B Coverage:
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and some home health care, while Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and other medical services. This provides a solid foundation for your health insurance. 
Additional Coverage:
You can choose to add supplemental plans, like Medigap policies, to help cover costs like co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance. You can also add a separate prescription drug plan (Part D) if you need it. 
Medicare Advantage:
If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), you would forgo Original Medicare (Part A and B) and instead receive coverage from a private insurance company that contracts with Medicare. This can offer additional benefits, but it also comes with potential restrictions on provider choice and could be less compatible with retiree coverage. 
Making the Right Choice:
The best option depends on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Consider your health needs, budget, and preferred providers when making your decision about Medicare coverage. 
In summary, having just Part A and B (Original Medicare) can provide sufficient coverage, but you may want to consider adding a Medigap policy or a separate prescription drug plan to enhance your coverage. If you're considering other options like Medicare Advantage, carefully evaluate the pros and cons to ensure it aligns with your needs.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, you can have only Part A and Part B coverage, but it provides limited coverage, paying for about 80% of your costs, and leaves you responsible for the remaining 20% with no annual maximum. You'd also have no prescription drug coverage or benefits for dental, vision, or hearing.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on August 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

Yes, you can have only Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and still get coverage for hospital and medical care, but you may face higher out-of-pocket costs for copays, coinsurance, and prescription drugs, and it won’t cover extras like dental, vision, or hearing. Adding a Medigap plan or Part D/Medicare Advantage can help fill these gaps.

Answered by Mary Brown on March 30, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by Mary Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Deborah Webster · Answer

In my professional opinion, no. You need to pick a drug plan to avoid paying a penalty that lasts the rest of your life. Also, there are gaps in original Medicare (A& B).

Carol Conner · Answer

If you don’t get sick or have any surgery’s or take medication you wouldn’t need coverage. Also, Medicare does not pay for long-term care and 700 out of 1200 people are going to need that at some point in their life and it is very very expensive and if you can’t afford that they’ll send you to another state possibly wherever there’s a bed available it’s unfortunate. That medical costs are expensive but you can’t put a price on your health. So I recommend you look at a Medicare supplement plan G or Medicare advantage plan unless you have several million dollars to afford medical needs.

Answered by Carol Conner on January 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Carol Conner Medicare Insurance Agent

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

Yes, you must have a PDP plan for prescription, and I will strongly recommend that you get a hospital indemnity plan in case you are admitted to the hospital. The aspect is to have the 20% that Medicare will not cover to plan for that cost, and you must have dental and vision that will assist with your overall health care.

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

Eizel Mere · Answer

With Medicare Parts A and B you have Original Medicare and are subjected to Medicare copays/coinsurance and deductibles with no maximum out if pocket. You also do not gave prescription coverage. Every person is an island, every case is different but I personally do not recomend staying with just original Medicare. I would be more than happy to talk to you to go over your situation.

Answered by Eizel Mere on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Eizel Mere Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Thompson · Answer

If you have Parts A & B only, you are allowing yourself to be expose to additional deductibles, co-insurance and full cost of prescriptions drugs. Without enrolling in Part D when you are eligible you are also exposing yourself to a late penalty if you enroll at a later date and the full cost of the drug.

Answered by Julie Thompson on October 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, KY, NV & TN

Answered by Julie Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Linda Davies · Answer

It is important to understand that original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, long-term care, and other out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and co-insurance.

Your health status, financial situation, and additional healthcare needs are all important factors to be considered when enrolling into Medicare.

Robert Remin · Answer

Hello, I'm Robert Remin, an independent agent certified by Medicare and the carriers I represent. I'm licensed in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Florida. If you are enrolled in Parts A and B only and don't have coverage from work or a private carrier, your risk is as follows: you are responsible for 20% of all costs that original Medicare does not cover. So, imagine a major health situation, hospitalization even for a few days, or a bad diagnosis of a disease where you need lots of testing. God forbid you wind up with cancer and need chemotherapy. You are putting yourself at a very large financial risk by only having Parts A and B Medicare and nothing else. I'm glad to discuss the situation with you; that is what I do. There's no charge for my time to discuss your specific situation. My number is 914-629-1753.

James Wareheim · Answer

Yes you can, with a but. You would not have a prescription drug plan, do most prescriptions wouldn't be covered. There is also deductibles and other out of pocket expenses that you would have. Also by delaying Part D if you don't have credible drug coverage through a group plan and you enroll later there are penalties that make it more expensive.

Answered by James Wareheim on January 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, NV & SC

Answered by James Wareheim Medicare Insurance Agent

Jerry Cohen · Answer

This is an individual choice based on the fact that Medicare Part B leaves the patient with an unlimited 20% cost sharing on covered medical expenses. Some people are willing to self insure and do other thimgs with their money as opposed to obtaining supplemental coverage.

Answered by Jerry Cohen on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY

Answered by Jerry Cohen Medicare Insurance Agent

Otisha Newton · Answer

That’s a great question — and it’s one a lot of people ask when they first get on Medicare.

Technically, yes — you can have just Medicare Parts A and B and choose not to enroll in anything else. However, it’s usually not enough coverage for most people. Here’s why:

Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health care — but you’ll still face a large deductible per hospital stay and daily coinsurance costs if your stay is extended.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies — but it only pays 80% of approved costs, leaving you responsible for the other 20% with no cap on how high those bills can go.

That means if you have a serious illness, surgery, or long hospital stay, your out-of-pocket costs could be thousands of dollars.

That’s why most people add either:

A Medigap (Supplement) plan to cover the leftover 20% and hospital costs, or

A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which combines A and B and often adds prescription, dental, and vision benefits.

So while you can stay with just A and B, it’s not recommended long-term if you want full protection and predictable costs.

Would you like me to explain how much you’d typically pay out of pocket if you kept only A and B?

Danielle Jimison · Answer

Yes, you can stay on just Medicare Parts A & B but it’s rarely considered “good coverage” because it leaves you exposed to unlimited out‑of‑pocket costs and no drug coverage. Original Medicare pays about 80% of approved medical costs, and you pay the remaining 20% with no cap!

Answered by Danielle Jimison on January 20, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH & PA

Answered by Danielle Jimison Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Akers · Answer

If you have Medicare Part A, the Hospital benefit and Part B the Medical benefit, there could be significant gaps because they do not provide comprehensive coverage. A&B covers about 80% of the approved claim, leaving the patient responsible for the remaining 20%. This does not address the lack of Part D Prescription Drug coverage.

Answered by Christopher Akers on October 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN, FL, OH & VA

Answered by Christopher Akers Medicare Insurance Agent

Leisha Stevens · Answer

Yes, you can have just Original Medicare (Part A & B), but it's generally not recommended as "good coverage" because it leaves significant gaps, like no drug coverage (Part D) and 20% coinsurance with unlimited out-of-pocket costs, leading most people to add Medigap (supplemental) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) for better protection, especially if you don't have other creditable coverage. 
Why A & B Alone Is Risky
20% Cost Share: Original Medicare pays about 80% of approved costs, leaving you responsible for the rest with no annual limit on your total spending.
No Prescription Drugs: You need a separate Part D plan for medications.
No Extras: Doesn't cover dental, vision, hearing, or fitness. 
What Most People Do Instead
Medigap (Medicare Supplement): Works with A & B to pay most of those uncovered costs (like the 20%) and fills gaps, but requires a separate Part D plan.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): A private plan that bundles A, B, and usually D, often includes extras (dental/vision), and has an out-of-pocket maximum, but usually means using a network of doctors. 
The Key Takeaway
If you're relying solely on A & B, you're exposed to high, unpredictable costs. You'll need to add at least a Part D plan and likely a Medigap plan to get truly "good coverage" that protects your wallet from major expenses.

Michael Hixson · Answer

Great question! Original Medicare is good coverage but there are holes in coverage with Deductibles and Copays. Another thing to remember is that Original Medicare doesn't cover your Medications. For 2025 Medicare Part A, Hospital Coverage or in Patient Care, has a deductible of $1,676 for the first day in the hospital and a copay of $419 each day for days 61-90, and $838 each day for days 91-150. Medicare Part B, Doctor or Out Patient Care, has an annual deductible of $257 and a copay of 20% and these could add up quickly. There are 2 ways to Fill those Gaps, Medicare Supplement or Medicare Part C also called Medicare Advantage Plan.

Answered by Michael Hixson on August 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR & TX

Answered by Michael Hixson Medicare Insurance Agent

Manuel Sundiman · Answer

This is based on preference because there are few folks who believe in just Part A & B (traditional) medicare, but they'll be exposed to the of the 20% remaining bills if they end up in a hospital or needing a home health care assistance. They should buy the Medigap to cover 100% of cost with only $250 yearly deductible for any medical costs, including any doctors who take Medicare

Answered by Manuel Sundiman on November 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AR, MI & 8 other states

Answered by Manuel Sundiman Medicare Insurance Agent

Dan Griggs · Answer

Yes but you would be on the hook for what ever Medicare does not cover. Typically about 20% of the cost

Christian Marti Del Campo · Answer

Yes you can but you will be missing on lots of ancillary benefits like dental vision and hearing aids

Joseph &quot;Joey&quot; Gutierrez · Answer

You can have only A&B. But you will still need D.  Good coverage, that depends on your needs and if it is good enough for those needs.

Hunter Klaassen · Answer

Having just part A and part B is not advisable because there are still a lot of holes in the coverage. The main hole in coverage would be there is no cap on your part B coinsurance. Part B covers 80% of the medical bill and you’re responsible for the 20% with no cap on the dollar amount. When you start looking at huge procedures that can cost many hundreds of thousands of dollars and you’re responsible for 20% of however, high the bill goes that’s the biggest hole in coverage.

Answered by Hunter Klaassen on March 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in MI

Answered by Hunter Klaassen Medicare Insurance Agent

Sheila Simpson · Answer

No, it is not a good idea to only have Medicare part A and B. It is suggested but not required to inquire about a part D for prescription medication, because just A and B does not cover this part, even if you are not taking any medication. No one knows what will happens in the future, and not enrolling in a part D could result in a increased monthly life time penalty.

Answered by Sheila Simpson on April 7, 2026

Agent Licensed in GA, AL, AZ & 5 other states

Answered by Sheila Simpson Medicare Insurance Agent

Gisele Salas · Answer

Yes, you can just have Medicare A and B
But you should enroll in Medicare advantage plan most of them have no monthly premium
And they cover prescription drugs

Wendy Villarreal · Answer

Yes — you can have only Medicare Part A and B, but whether it’s good coverage depends on your medical needs.
A & B cover hospital and medical care, but do not cover prescriptions, dental/vision/hearing, or cap your out-of-pocket costs.

If you take medications or have ongoing health issues, most people add extra coverage to avoid high expenses. If your health needs are minimal, A & B alone may feel sufficient.

Can you just have A and B and not enroll in anything else and still have good coverage?

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Can you just have A and B and not enroll in anything else and still have good coverage?

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