What does Medicare cover?
Answered by 4 licensed agents
Original Medicare covers a lot but not all of your needs. To find out everything that Medicare covers you can go to www.medicare.gov to find exactly what is covered.
I think its more important to point out what is NOT covered.
Original Medicare does NOT include prescription drug coverage. You will be penalized without drug coverage.
The biggest thing, in my opinion, that Original Medicare DOES NOT provide is a Maximum-out-of-pocket limit. After your deductibles are met Original Medicare will cover 80% of your Medicare covered costs. You will be left with footing 20% of the bill. So if that bill is $100,000 you better have your $20,000 ready to pay your share. A medical bill for $1,000,000? Do you have $200,000 to spare? Does anyone?
As a solution to these issues people usually get extra coverage beyond Original Medicare in the form of Stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Supplements or Medicare Advantage Plans. These options help prevent penalties for not having creditable coverage, and help shield your pocket book from large Medical bills.
Answered by Andrea Smith on September 10, 2026
Broker Licensed in CA
Original Medicare has two main parts. Part A generally covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care when Medicare's requirements are met, hospice, and certain home health services. Part B generally covers your doctors, outpatient services, lab work, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and many other medically necessary services.
Remember. Original Medicare (OM) does not cover Prescription Drugs. You must get a standalone prescription drug plan (PDP).
This is why I spend time during my first consultation explaining how Medicare actually works before we ever start comparing plans. Once you understand what Medicare covers — and what it doesn't — we can determine what additional coverage, or Supplement plan works for you.
Answered by Brett Johnson on September 7, 2026
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, GA & NV
Medicare Part A covers hospital. This includes inpatient hospital stay, hospice care, skilled nursing facility (SNF), and home health care. This coverage is usually earned through working 10 years or more and paying taxes.
Medicare Part B is the medical. This covers services outside of the hospital like doctor visits, durable medical equipment, lab work, preventative care, outpatient services and emergency care. This is covered by a mandatory premium that is charged to the beneficiary.
Answered by Brianna Ford-Harris on September 9, 2026
Agent Licensed in WA, AR, CA & 22 other states
Skilled nursing facility care: Short-term rehabilitation care.
Hospice care: End-of-life comfort care.
Home health services: Part-time nursing or therapy after a hospital stay.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)Part B pays for doctor visits and services outside of a hospital stay.
Answered by Jorge Collado on September 10, 2026
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 42 other states
Tags: Advice for Seniors Coverage The Medicare System
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