Original Medicare is still available and can be bundled with a "supplement plan" and a "prescription drug plan" (or PDP) to offer comprehensive coverage, usually offering the best insurance protection and medical choice for a modest premium.

Original Medicare includes two parts:

Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Part A must be 'earned', or granted via spousal status. In some cases, a premium payment can qualify an individual who has not earned full qualification.

Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor services, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical equipment and supplies. Part B has a required premium that adjusts annually.