Original Medicare Explained

Original Medicare is Part A and Part B. Here is how it works, what it does not cover, and how people usually complete the picture.

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The foundation

Original Medicare is the government program. You can generally see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S., without a plan network. After deductibles, Part B typically pays 80% of approved amounts for many outpatient services.

Gaps people often fill

Original Medicare does not include a yearly out-of-pocket maximum for Parts A and B in the same way Medicare Advantage does. Many people add a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) to make costs more predictable, and a Part D plan for prescriptions.

What is usually not covered

Routine dental, vision, and hearing; most long-term custodial care; and care outside the U.S. (with limited exceptions) are generally not covered. Some people value Medicare Advantage extra benefits for those gaps; others prefer a Medicare Supplement plus standalone extras.

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2026 figures

Original Medicare cost estimator

Add 2026 Part A and Part B figures for a simple yearly estimate.

Read: What does Medicare Part B cost in 2027?

Hospital benefit periods this yearEach period includes the $1,736.00 Part A deductible (2026).Inpatient days 61–90 (across those stays)$434.00 per day in 2026. Leave 0 if stays are 60 days or fewer.Skilled nursing days 21–100$217.00 per day in 2026.Estimated Part B allowed charges this year ($)Medicare-approved amounts for doctor and outpatient care, before a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap). 20% coinsurance applies after the Part B deductible.Include 12 months of the standard Part B premium ($202.90 × 12)

Part A deductibles: $1,736.00
Part A days 61–90: $0.00
Skilled nursing coinsurance: $0.00
Part B premium: $2,434.80
Part B deductible: $283.00
Part B 20% coinsurance: $343.40

Estimate of Original Medicare cost-sharing: $4,797.20

Does not include Part D, IRMAA, excess charges, Medicare Supplement premiums, or Medicare Advantage. Not a quote.

Worksheet

SNF 3-day stay and benefit period

Original Medicare skilled nursing: the 3-day inpatient rule, days 1–100, and 2026 coinsurance.

Read: Medicare skilled nursing and the 3-day stay

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