Presented by GET LYFE

Medicare Part A: hospital insurance

Part A is the part of Original Medicare focused mainly on inpatient hospital care and certain follow-up services. Coverage depends on Medicare rules and whether the care meets specific requirements.

The short answer

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Medicare Part A generally helps cover inpatient hospital care, hospice, certain home health services, and limited skilled nursing facility care when Medicare requirements are met. An overnight hospital stay does not by itself establish inpatient status, so patients should ask whether they were formally admitted or kept for observation.

Care Part A may cover

Inpatient care in a hospital
Limited care in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying inpatient stay
Hospice care for eligible patients
Certain home health services

Costs to keep in mind

Many people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough. Deductibles and daily coinsurance can still apply, and costs can change each year.

Confirm that a hospital stay is classified as inpatient, not observation.
Ask whether a facility and course of care meet Medicare coverage requirements.
Review current costs on Medicare.gov before making a decision.

Part A is only one part

Part A does not replace Part B medical coverage or outpatient prescription drug coverage. Most people need to consider how Part A will work with Part B and any additional coverage they choose.

Official sources

Medicare.gov: Get started with Medicare Medicare.gov: What Medicare costs

This article is educational and is not a final plan recommendation. Verify current plan details, costs, formularies, networks, eligibility and enrollment timing with a licensed insurance advisor before making a decision.