The original medicare plan has two parts, Part A and Part B. Part A helps to cover your inpatient in hospitals, including critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (not unskilled or long-term care).  It also covers covers some hospice and some home health care.  Certain condition must be met for benefits.   Part B helps to cover the doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical service not covered by Part A.  It also covers some preventive services.  For more information note   http://www.medicare.gov/Choices/Original.asp