Medicare glossary
Original Medicare
Original Medicare is the traditional, government-run side of Medicare, made up of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You can use any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare, and you can add a Part D drug plan and a Medicare Supplement to fill its gaps.
Original Medicare is administered directly by the federal government rather than by a private insurer. It pays a large share of your hospital and medical costs, but leaves deductibles and a 20% coinsurance with no yearly limit, and it doesn't include prescription drugs. Many people pair it with a Part D plan and a Medicare Supplement. The main alternative is Medicare Advantage, a private all-in-one bundle.
Ready to compare?
Ready to compare real Medicare plans?
Enter your ZIP and we’ll take you to PlanMatch Medicare to compare the 2026 plans available where you live.