Medicare Part A is for inpatient hospital care, hospice, some skilled nursing facilities, and some health care in other facilities. Part A is free for most Americans.
What’s Covered by Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A covers a large variety of medical services that are considered necessary to treat a disease or condition. We like to think of Medicare Part A as hospital insurance.
Medicare part A covers:
- Hospital care
- A semi-private room
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Medical supplies, drugs, and medical equipment for inpatients
- Inpatient lab tests, x-rays and radiation treatment
- Inpatient operating room and recovery room services
- The first 3 units of blood for in hospital transfusions
- Nursing home care (as long as custodial care isn’t the only care you need)
- Hospice
- Home health services
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost?
Most people qualify for Medicare Part A without any cost. You or your spouse must have paid Medicare taxes while working to qualify for Part A at no cost.
Some people, who haven’t been in the country long enough or haven’t worked enough in the USA may qualify for Part A but must pay a premium for it.
If you have to buy Part A it will cost up to $458 per month.
Once you turn 65 you become eligible for Medicare Part A if you:
- Are already getting retirement benefits from Social Security
- Are eligible for Social Security but have not filed for them.
- You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
You can still qualify for Medicare Part A if you are under the age of 65 if you:
- Have been receiving Social Security benefits for 2 years
- Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and meet certain requirements.
Let us help you compare Medicare insurance plans that suit your individual needs and budget.
What’s Not Covered By Medicare Part A?
Medicare typically will not cover everything. You will still have out of pocket expenses such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. If you purchase a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan many of these items will be paid for by your supplemental insurance.
Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Plans have different rules. It’s wise to consult with a Medicare Advisor to help you determine which plan is right for you.
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Below are a list of items Medicare Part A does not cover:
- Long-term / Custodial care
- Most dental care
- Eye examinations related to prescribing glasses
- Dentures
- Cosmetic surgery
- Acupuncture
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
- Routine foot care
I Need Help Understanding Medicare Part A
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