Glossary Term

Original Medicare

Traditional Medicare

Original Medicare refers to Medicare Part A and Part B provided directly by the federal government.

This is distinguished from Medicare Advantage, an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through a private insurance company, which often bundles in extra benefits not included in Original Medicare alone.

In Plain English

It's the government-run version of Medicare — hospital coverage and medical coverage, straight from Medicare itself, rather than through a private insurance company's plan.

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