Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance

What is Medicare Part A and How to Know if You're Eligible

Medicare Part A is one part of the United States Medicare program, a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with qualifying disabilities as determined by federal guidelines determined by the Social Security Administration or End-Stage Renal Disease. Part A specifically covers hospital insurance.

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care. Here is a breakdown:

What Medicare Part A Covers

Hospital Inpatient Care

This includes:

• Semi-private rooms

• Meals

• General nursing

• Drugs as part of your inpatient treatment

• Other hospital services and supplies

Skilled Nursing Facility Care

Part A helps cover skilled nursing facility care under specific conditions:

• You have had a prior hospital stay of at least three days.

• You are admitted to a skilled nursing facility within a short time after leaving the hospital.

• You need skilled nursing care.

Hospice Care

Medicare Part A helps cover hospice care for people with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support, rather than curing an illness.

Home Health Care

Part A covers some home health services, such as:

• Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care

• Home health aide services

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech-language pathology services

What Does Medicare Part A NOT Cover?

Medicare Part A does not cover:

• Long-term care (custodial care)

• Private-duty nursing

• Most dental care

• Eye exams related to prescribing glasses

• Hearing aids and exams for fitting them

• Routine foot care

Costs Associated with Medicare Part A

Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) while working. However, there are other costs to consider:

Cost Type	Description
Part A Deductible	The amount you pay before Medicare begins to cover inpatient hospital care.
Daily Coinsurance	The amount you pay for each day of inpatient hospital care after a certain number of days. There is a separate coinsurance for skilled nursing facility care.
Monthly Premium	Most people do not pay a premium. However, if you did not contribute to Medicare taxation for at least 40 quarters, you might have to pay a monthly premium. The amount of the premium depends on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.

Know When you Qualify

Enrollment in Medicare Part A

Most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when they turn 65 and are already receiving Social Security benefits. If you are not automatically enrolled, you may need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period.

The 'Initial Enrollment Period' is the 7-month time period surrounding your 65th birthday:

3 MONTHS PRIOR	BIRTHDAY MONTH	3 MONTHS AFTER
You are now eligible to apply for Medicare coverage.	The month of your 65th Birthday.	Your coverage will begin on the 1st Day of the following month of application.

Key Takeaways

It is important to know when you are eligible for Medicare Coverage. This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Reach out to us for more information on how we can assist you and provide specified direction for you and your healthcare.

JHN FINANCE

(612)268-1231

jhnfinance@jacobhollingsworth.net