Original Medicare plus medigap & prescription plan

---

What is Original Medicare? 

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
   
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab tests, and some medical equipment. Part B comes with a monthly premium.
   

The key point: Original Medicare covers a lot, but it doesn’t cover everything. You’ll still face copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, which can add up.

A Medigap plan, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, helps fill the gaps left by Original Medicare.

• It can cover deductibles, coinsurance, and sometimes emergency care abroad.
   
• Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and are standardized (Plan G, Plan N, etc.) so coverage is predictable.
   
• You pay a monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium.
   

Example: If you’re admitted to a hospital, Original Medicare covers most of your stay under Part A, but you might still owe coinsurance. Medigap can pay that coinsurance for you, reducing unexpected bills.

Original Medicare does not include prescription drugs, which is where Part D comes in:

• Part D is optional, but highly recommended if you take medications.
   
• Plans are sold by private insurers and vary by drugs covered, premiums, and pharmacy networks.
   
• You pay a separate monthly premium for Part D.
   

Example: If your doctor prescribes a brand-name medication, Part D can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s the flow:

1. Original Medicare pays for most of your hospital and medical care.
    
2. Medigap covers the gaps like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
    
3. Medicare Part D helps cover prescription medications.
    

Benefit: You get broad, predictable coverage and protection against high medical costs.

Important Note: You cannot use a Medigap plan with Medicare Advantage (Part C) — Medigap only works with Original Medicare.

Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D is often ideal if:

• You want freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare.
   
• You want predictable costs, especially if you expect frequent doctor visits or hospital stays.
   
• You want comprehensive coverage for both medical care and prescription drugs.
   

Considerations: You’ll have multiple premiums (Part B, Medigap, Part D), so budgeting is important.

Combining Original Medicare with Medigap and Part D gives you a solid, flexible healthcare safety net. It’s the classic route for people who want broad coverage, financial protection from high medical costs, and freedom to choose their providers.

Tip: Compare Medigap plans carefully — premiums and coverage can vary by state and insurer, but all plans offer standardized benefits. And always review Part D formularies to ensure your medications are covered.