Original Medicare for 2027
Original Medicare: Parts A and B for 2027
Understand what Original Medicare covers, what it does not cover, and how Part D or Medigap can fit alongside Parts A and B.
What Part A generally covers
- Inpatient hospital care.
- Skilled nursing facility care when Medicare requirements are met.
- Hospice care.
- Certain home health services.
What Part B generally covers
- Physician and outpatient services.
- Preventive services and screenings.
- Certain durable medical equipment.
- Other medically necessary outpatient services covered by Medicare.
What Original Medicare does not automatically include
Original Medicare does not include a routine annual out-of-pocket maximum and does not automatically include stand-alone outpatient prescription drug coverage. Many beneficiaries add a Part D plan, and some choose Medigap to help with eligible cost sharing.
2027 costs and plan-year changes
Medicare updates Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and other cost-sharing amounts annually. Review the official Medicare amounts for 2027 when published rather than relying on prior-year figures.
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare generally offers broad provider access to professionals who accept Medicare. Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative with service areas, networks and plan rules. The right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel needs, budget and preference for provider flexibility.
Do I need Part D with Original Medicare?
If you want outpatient prescription drug coverage, you generally need a stand-alone Part D plan unless you have other creditable drug coverage.
Can I add Medigap to Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap is designed to work with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage.
Review your 2027 Medicare path
Get no-cost licensed agent/broker guidance comparing Original Medicare with represented Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap options.