What Medicare Part A Covers

Medicare Part A is primarily focused on hospital care. Here's what it typically covers:

Inpatient Hospital Stay: This includes your hospital stay if admitted to a hospital, such as semi-private accommodations, nursing care, meals, and required drugs.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care: Following a qualifying hospitalization, Part A covers short-term rehabilitation or recuperation in a skilled nursing facility.
Home Health Care: If you are homebound and need part-time skilled nursing care or therapy, Part A may cover it.
Hospice Care: For terminally ill individuals, Medicare Part A offers humane hospice care to preserve dignity and comfort at the time of death.

Understanding what Medicare Part A pays for enables you or your loved one not to be caught unawares by unexpected medical expenses during hospital stay or recovery time.

Medicare Part A and B: The Traditional Medicare Package

When individuals say Original Medicare, they're referring to Medicare Part A and B combined.

Part A encompasses inpatient services.
Part B covers outpatient services like doctor visits, lab tests, preventive screenings, durable medical equipment, and more.

Medicare Part A and Part B complement each other to create a strong foundation of medical coverage for seniors—there is more they don't cover, though. It's because so many people also sign up for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) policy to cover the gaps.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part A?

If you are 65 or older and have worked for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters) in Medicare-covered employment, you are usually eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. You can also qualify under age 65 if you have specific disabilities or end-stage renal disease. If you are not eligible for free Part A, you can purchase Part A and pay a premium each month.

Why You Need to Know Your Medicare Part A Benefits

Understanding what Medicare Part A pays for allows you to prepare in advance. Stays in the hospital are expensive, and without proper coverage, you might find yourself with a hefty bill. By knowing your Part A benefits and how they interact with Part B and other types of coverage, you can establish an overall healthcare plan that is best suited to your needs.