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Medicare

  • Medicare Part A includes coverage for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice services.
  • Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they have worked and paid payroll taxes in the U.S. for at least 10 years.
  • While Part A covers the majority of costs, beneficiaries are responsible for the deductible and coinsurance.

Medicare Part A offers coverage for hospital stays, providing affordable inpatient care. Inpatient care refers to the services you receive while admitted to a hospital.

At Unity Benefits Group, we describe it as including “room and board” during your hospital stay. This means Part A covers a semi-private room, meals, medications provided by the hospital, and any required lab tests or medical supplies.

Inpatient care can be received in various settings, such as acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, inpatient mental health facilities, or rehabilitation centers.

Medicare Part A coverage: hospital, nursing, hospice, home healthcare.

Medicare

  • Medicare Part A includes coverage for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice services.
  • Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they have worked and paid payroll taxes in the U.S. for at least 10 years.
  • While Part A covers the majority of costs, beneficiaries are responsible for the deductible and coinsurance.

Medicare Part A offers coverage for hospital stays, providing affordable inpatient care. Inpatient care refers to the services you receive while admitted to a hospital.

At Unity Benefits Group, we describe it as including “room and board” during your hospital stay. This means Part A covers a semi-private room, meals, medications provided by the hospital, and any required lab tests or medical supplies.

Inpatient care can be received in various settings, such as acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, inpatient mental health facilities, or rehabilitation centers.

Medicare Part A coverage: hospital, nursing, hospice, home healthcare.

Table of Contents

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Medicare Part A not only covers hospital stays but also extends to post-hospital skilled nursing and short-term home health care, provided it is deemed medically necessary. It includes coverage for hospice services, which may feature palliative care, durable medical equipment (DME), counseling, and social services. Additionally, Medicare Part A offers short-term respite care for caregivers, giving them a chance to take a break.

Part A also covers certain home health care services that are received during or immediately after a hospital stay. This can include skilled nursing care, medical social services, and physical therapy. However, home health aide services are typically covered only if skilled nursing care is also being provided.

It’s important to note that Medicare does not cover long-term care, such as extended stays in a nursing home. For those looking to plan for long-term care, purchasing long-term care insurance might be an option to consider.

Medicare Part A: Inpatient Hospital Coverage Explained

Is Medicare Part A free?

Not exactly. Most people won’t have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A at age 65 because they’ve already contributed to it through their taxes during their working years. These taxes are designed to help cover the cost of Medicare hospital coverage in retirement.

Typically, if you’ve worked for 10 years in the U.S., you won’t need to pay anything for Part A. If you don’t have this work history, you can still buy Part A if you’ve been a legal resident or green card holder for at least 5 years. For more details on Part A costs, check out our Medicare costs page.

If you haven’t earned 40 quarters of work, you can still pay for Part A. In 2024, the premium is $505 per month for those with fewer than 30 quarters and $278 for those with 30 to 39 quarters.

When do I enroll in Medicare Part A?

Enrolling in Medicare Part A is automatic for people already taking Social Security income benefits. When this happens, you’ll open your mailbox 2 – 3 months before you turn 65 and find your card waiting for you.

If you haven’t earned 40 quarters of work, you can still pay for Part A. In 2024, the premium is $505 per month for those with fewer than 30 quarters and $278 for those with 30 to 39 quarters.

Medicare components: hospital, medical, drug plans, advantage plans.
Be sure to watch for your Medicare card in the mail. It will be a red, white, and blue card made of sturdy cardstock. You may laminate the card upon receiving it to help keep it in good condition as it gets used over time in your wallet or purse.

If you’re not already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will need to actively enroll in Part A when you turn 65. You can complete this process on the Social Security website.

What is my Medicare Cost-sharing under Part A?

Medicare Part A provides extensive coverage, but there will be some cost-sharing requirements that you need to cover yourself.

Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets the deductible and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Part A. These are the out-of-pocket costs you are responsible for when utilizing your Part A benefits. For 2024, you will be required to pay:

  • A deductible of $1,632 for each inpatient hospital stay if you have not been hospitalized within the previous 60 days.
  • $408 per day for days 61 through 90 of a continuous hospital stay.
  • $800 per day for days 91 through 150 of a continuous hospital stay.
  • All costs beyond your lifetime reserve days.

What are lifetime reserve days?

Unless you have a Medigap plan, Medicare Part A gives you 60 lifetime reserve days. You begin using these days if you have a hospital stay lasting more than 90 consecutive days. For example, if you have a hospital stay that lasts 100 consecutive days, you will have used 10 of your lifetime reserve days.

If you have another hospital stay the year after lasting 120 consecutive days, you will have used up 30 (10 + 20) of your lifetime reserve days total. Once you have used up all of your lifetime reserve days, you will be responsible for all Part A costs starting on day 91 for any hospital stay lasting longer than 90 days.

Skilled-nursing facility costs

For skilled nursing facility stays Medicare covers the first 20 days. Your daily copay in 2024 for days 21-100 will be $204. Fortunately, both Medigap policies and Part C Advantage plans will help cover these costs. Either type of plan will help you significantly reduce your financial exposure.

How do I sign up for Medicare Part A only?

If you have creditable coverage, you can choose to postpone enrolling in Medicare past age 65. Nevertheless, many individuals opt to enroll in Part A for additional hospital coverage. To apply for Part A, you need to do so through the Social Security Administration’s website.

What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?

Medicare Part A is inpatient hospital coverage, while Part B covers outpatient medical services.

How much is Medicare Part A?

If you have worked in the U.S. for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for a $0 monthly premium for Medicare Part A. However, if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you might have to pay up to $505 per month.

For assistance with your Medicare insurance or to learn more about hospital coverage under Medicare, contact our insurance experts at (817) 249-8600 for a FREE consultation!

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part A covers inpatient room and board, daily meals, hospice care, skilled nursing, and home health care.
  • Most people receive Part A without a premium, but those who haven’t worked in the U.S. for at least 10 years may have to pay a premium.
  • Before Medicare Part A covers most of your costs, you must meet the Part A deductible.