Medicare
What does Medicare Part A cover?
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no monthly premium for it, but there is a deductible and coinsurance when you use it.
What it covers
- Inpatient care in a hospital, including a semi-private room and meals.
- Skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay of at least three days as an inpatient.
- Hospice care for a terminal illness.
- Some home health care after a hospital or facility stay.
What it does not
Part A does not cover doctor visits, which are Part B, or prescription drugs, which are Part D. It also does not cover long-term custodial care, such as help with bathing and dressing when that is the only care you need.
Have this ready when you call
- Your Medicare card
- Any recent hospital stay dates
- Your current supplement or Advantage plan, if any
Common questions
Is Part A free?
Most people have no monthly premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for enough years. There is still a deductible for each hospital benefit period.
Does a hospital stay always count as inpatient?
No. Being kept under observation is different from being admitted, and it can change what Medicare pays.
Related answers
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