Original Medicare provides benefits for healthcare services and supplies under Medicare Part A and Part B. You have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) or other Medicare health plan if you live in the service area instead of Original Medicare.   You need to be aware of what Original Medicare covers, how much you will pay and where to get more information. Making a choice between Original Medicare and other options available to you can make a difference to the cost of your health care.

We will attempt to outline what health care services and supplies Original Medicare covers and how to get those benefits through Original Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).  There are rules for what specific benefits you can get and when ou can get them, how Medicare pays for each service and how much you pay.

Please keep in mind two important points:

1.  Unless otherwise stated, for 2011, you pay an annual $162 deductible for Part B covered services and supplies before Medicare begins to pay its portion.  This also varies depending on the services and supplies.

2.  The actual amounts you may be responsible for may be higher if doctors, health care providers or suppliers do not accept assignment.  This also depends on the supply or service being requested.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) or other Medicare health plan, you will have the same basic benefits, but the rules will vary by the plan type. This means if a service is covered by Original Medicare, it is also covered by Medicare Advantage plans. However, how the service is covered (what your cost share is) can differ between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plans.

Below is a list of what Original Medicare Covers.  Remember, the service or supply must be "medically-necessary" for the care and treatment of an illness (except for preventive care) to be covered.