Answer:
Original Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicare is a federal health insurance program offered to individuals aged 65 and above, and in some cases, those younger with certain disabilities. Here's what you could tell Mr. Schmidt about what is covered under Original FFS Medicare:
1. Medicare Part A: This covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care (after a qualifying hospital stay), hospice care, and some home healthcare services.
2. Medicare Part B: This covers medically necessary services, including doctor's visits, preventive services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers), laboratory tests, and some home healthcare services.
3. Medicare Part D: This provides prescription drug coverage. It helps pay for prescription medications and is available through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
4. Preventive Services: Original FFS Medicare covers a range of preventive services such as vaccinations, screenings for various conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, heart disease), and counseling to help individuals maintain good health.
5. Some preventive services not covered under Original FFS Medicare include routine dental care, vision care, hearing aids, and long-term care (like nursing home stays).
It's important to note that Original FFS Medicare typically involves deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that the individual must pay out of pocket. Additionally, it does not cover all healthcare costs, which is why some individuals choose to enhance their coverage by adding Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) or enrolling in Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.