Also called: Original Medicare
Part A covers hospital stays, Part B covers doctors and outpatient care, Part D covers prescription drugs, and Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a private plan that replaces A and B.
Original Medicare means Parts A and B. Most people pay no premium for Part A because they or a spouse paid Medicare payroll tax for at least 40 quarters. Part B and Part D have monthly premiums, and higher incomes pay surcharges on both.
Original Medicare has no annual limit on what you pay out of pocket, which is why most people add either a Medigap policy or choose Medicare Advantage instead.