US Medical Term · insurance
Original Medicare
Medicare Original
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Original Medicare |
| Spanish (Español) | Medicare Original |
| Chinese (中文) | 原始医疗保险 |
| Korean (한국어) | 오리지널 메디케어 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Medicare Gốc |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Orihinal na Medicare |
| Portuguese (Português) | Medicare Original |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | เมดิแคร์ดั้งเดิม |
| Japanese (日本語) | オリジナルメディケア |
What it means
Original Medicare is the traditional federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and certain individuals with disabilities. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and durable medical equipment. You pay premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for each part separately. Original Medicare does not cap annual out-of-pocket costs, so many enrollees add a Medigap supplemental policy or a Part D prescription drug plan for additional financial protection.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
oh-RIJ-ih-nul MED-ih-kair
Medicare original o Medicare tradicional
Also called 'traditional Medicare' or 'fee-for-service Medicare'
También llamado 'Medicare tradicional' o 'Medicare por servicio'
Contrasted with Medicare Advantage (Part C)
En contraste con Medicare Advantage (Parte C)
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026