What’s the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage if I only need basic hospital care?
Answered by 2 licensed agents
I would never advise someone to ONLY enroll in Part A (Hospital)
If you skip Part B (outpatient care) to avoid its monthly premium - here’s the catch: if you delay Part B and later decide you need it, YOU'LL FACE A LATE ENROLLMENT PENALTY —10% added to the premium for each year you could’ve enrolled but didn’t—unless you have other creditable coverage (like an employer plan). Also, Part A alone won’t cover doctor visits, labs, or outpatient procedures, so if “basic hospital care” might stretch beyond inpatient stays, you’d be paying those extras fully out-of-pocket. For pure cost minimization with a hospital-only focus, Part A solo is your leanest option—just be sure your needs won’t creep into Part B territory later.
If you skip Part B (outpatient care) to avoid its monthly premium - here’s the catch: if you delay Part B and later decide you need it, YOU'LL FACE A LATE ENROLLMENT PENALTY —10% added to the premium for each year you could’ve enrolled but didn’t—unless you have other creditable coverage (like an employer plan). Also, Part A alone won’t cover doctor visits, labs, or outpatient procedures, so if “basic hospital care” might stretch beyond inpatient stays, you’d be paying those extras fully out-of-pocket. For pure cost minimization with a hospital-only focus, Part A solo is your leanest option—just be sure your needs won’t creep into Part B territory later.
Answered by Phillip Lovelady on March 25, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX
Medicare Addvantage Prescription Drug PPO plans are typically $0 premium monthly. When you use it you pay a small copay. The only big copay is cancer and you can get a cancer rider for about $11 per month
Answered by Tom Rogala on March 31, 2025
Agent Licensed in MI, AR, AZ & 10 other states
Tags: Advice for Seniors Coverage
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