Medicare Part A: What It Costs and Covers
⚡ Key Facts
- What it is Hospital insurance (Part A of Medicare)
- Premium $0/month for most people (with 40+ quarters of work history)
- Covers Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, home health
- Eligibility Age 65+, or under 65 with qualifying disability
- Key cost Hospital deductible per benefit period (changes annually)
What Does Part A Cover?
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people age 65 and older are eligible for Medicare Part A, and many qualify for premium-free Part A based on their work history.
- Inpatient hospital stays: Semi-private rooms, meals, general nursing, and other hospital services
- Skilled nursing facility care: Rehabilitative services following a qualifying hospital stay
- Hospice care: Comfort care for people who are terminally ill
- Home health care: Part-time skilled nursing care for homebound patients
Part A Costs
Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). However, there are still out-of-pocket costs including deductibles for hospital stays and coinsurance for extended stays.
Why a Medicare Supplement Matters: A Medigap plan can cover some or all of the out-of-pocket costs that Part A doesn't, including the hospital deductible. Without supplemental coverage, a long hospital stay can result in thousands of dollars in unexpected costs.
Eligibility
You're generally eligible for Medicare Part A if you're 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You may also qualify if you're under 65 and have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, or if you have End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS.
Understanding your Part A benefits is the first step in making sure you have comprehensive coverage in retirement.
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