Medicare 101
Your Medicare Part A and Part B Benefits
by Christian Worstell | Published January 20, 2022 | Reviewed by John Krahnert
Original Medicare has two sets of benefits: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Each part covers different types of health care services to provide seniors with a broad range of coverage. Learn more about Medicare Parts A and B below, including eligibility and cost information.
Understanding Your Medicare Coverage
Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people 65 years or older and younger people with certain disabilities or permanent kidney failure.
Medicare Part A Benefits
Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital care* and may also cover:
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Nursing home care (as long as custodial care isn’t the only care you need)
- Hospice and respite care
- Home health services
Medicare Part B Benefits
Medicare Part B helps cover a range of outpatient services*, including:
- Doctor’s office visits
- Ambulance services
- Preventive care
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Mental health care
- Durable medical equipment
- Getting a second opinion before surgery
- Limited outpatient prescription drugs
*Provided they are medically necessary or preventive services from a health care provider that accepts assignment.
Costs
You will most likely receive Part A benefits premium-free, because either you or your spouse already paid for them through taxes while working. However, if you have to buy it, you could pay up to $499 in 2022.
Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. The average Part B premium in 2022 is $170.10 However, it can be more if you have a higher income.
In addition to your Part B premium, you’ll have to pay numerous out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
Medicare Supplement Insurance helps pay for some of these out-of-pocket costs. You can speak with a licensed agent now at 1-800-995-4219 to find out which Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are available in your area.
More Information
We have published several guides to help you better navigate your Medicare benefits. Read through some of them below.
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