Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance
Once you become eligible for Medicare, one of the key components of your coverage is Medicare Part A, also known as hospital insurance. Part A helps cover the cost of inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It does not cover long-term custodial care.
Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A because they paid Medicare taxes while working. If you didn't pay Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters), you may still be able to purchase Part A coverage.
What Does Medicare Part A Cover?
- Inpatient hospital care for up to 90 days per benefit period, with a deductible each benefit period.
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care for up to 100 days per benefit period when criteria are met.
- Home health care, in some cases up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital or SNF stay.
- Hospice care for individuals with a terminal illness, when certified by a doctor.
Eligibility for Medicare Part A
You're eligible for premium-free Part A if:
- You're 65 or older and you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
- You're under 65 with a qualifying disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Out-of-Pocket Costs with Part A
- The Part A deductible, set annually by Medicare.
- Coinsurance for hospital stays over 60 days.
- Coinsurance for SNF stays beyond 20 days.
- Costs not covered (personal items, private rooms, long-term custodial care).
Need Help Navigating Medicare?
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*Disclaimer: This page has not been reviewed or endorsed by Medicare.gov or any member of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).