Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Medicare Part B covers outpatient medical services such as doctor visits, preventive care, lab work, durable medical equipment, and outpatient procedures.
Together, Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare. However, they do not include prescription drug coverage or an out-of-pocket maximum, which is why many beneficiaries consider additional coverage.