While Original Medicare helps to cover a lot of necessary healthcare expenses during retirement, it won't cover everything. Prapass Pulsub/Getty Images
Original Medicare, which includes Part A for hospital coverage and Part B for medical services, forms the backbone of health insurance for more than 68 million retired Americans right now. This essential coverage was created to pay for seniors' hospital stays, doctor visits and preventive services, and many soon-to-be retirees assume that it's an all-in-one plan, given the coverage it provides. In reality, though, there are significant gaps in what Original Medicare will pay for, which can create unexpected out-of-pocket costs for routine care and specialized services.
Nearly 90% of Medicare beneficiaries supplement their Origina