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

Question

Gary Church · Accepted 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)

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

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

Joshua Ruiz · 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.

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

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

Robert Remin · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/is-part-a-and-b-enough-standalone#robert-remin

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.

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?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website