What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is often referred to as hospital insurance, and it is one of the two core components of Original Medicare. It helps cover care you receive when you are formally admitted to a hospital or need certain types of inpatient or facility-based care.
For many people, Part A is the first part of Medicare they encounter.
How do you get Medicare Part A?
Most people become eligible for Medicare Part A when they turn 65, though some individuals qualify earlier due to disability or certain medical conditions.
When turning 65, you may receive Medicare Part A automatically if:
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You are already receiving Social Security
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You are already Railroad Retirement Board benefits
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You have received disability benefits for a qualifying period
If you are not enrolled automatically, you can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, which generally begins
three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for seven months.
How much does Medicare Part A cost?
Many people qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, meaning they do not pay a monthly premium for this coverage.
This typically applies if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
However, even when there is no monthly premium, Medicare Part A is not free. Costs may include:
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A deductible for each hospital benefit period
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Daily coinsurance amounts for longer hospital stays
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Coinsurance for extended stays in skilled nursing facilities
Understanding these cost-sharing responsibilities is important, as they can add up depending on the care you receive.
What does Medicare Part A cover?
Part A helps cover inpatient and facility-based care, including:
✓ Inpatient hospital stays
When you are formally admitted to a hospital, Part A helps cover your room, meals, nursing care, and related hospital services.
✓ Skilled nursing facility care
Short-term skilled care following a qualifying hospital stay may be covered under certain conditions.
✓ Hospice care
Medicare Part A covers hospice services for individuals with a terminal illness who choose comfort-focused care.
✓ Limited home health care
Certain medically necessary home health services may be covered.
Medicare Part A will NOT cover:
X Long Term Custodial Care
X Private-duty Nursing
X Most Dental, Vision, or Hearing Services
X Routine Personal Care / Assistance
X Outpatient Services