Medicare Part A & B

Commonly referred to as Original Medicare. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Part A also pays for some home health care and hospice care.

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps cover medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment, mental health services, limited outpatient prescription drugs and other medical services. Part B also covers many preventive services.

You may be able to delay Part B enrollment without incurring a late enrollment penalty if you have other creditable coverage, such as through an employer. If you choose to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B, you will need to show proof of creditable coverage when signing up at a later date.