Medicare Part A — Hospital Insurance
Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care and certain post-hospital, hospice, and home health services when Medicare requirements are met.
Primary focusInpatient hospital coverage
May also includeSkilled nursing facility, hospice, and home health care
CostsPremium, deductible, and coinsurance rules may apply
What Part A helps cover
- Inpatient care in a hospital.
- Skilled nursing facility care when eligibility and coverage requirements are met.
- Hospice care and certain home health services.
What to review
- The inpatient deductible and benefit-period rules.
- Daily coinsurance that may apply during longer stays.
- Whether a service is inpatient or outpatient, which affects Part A versus Part B coverage.
Important limitations
- Part A generally does not cover long-term custodial care.
- Private-duty nursing and a private room are generally not covered unless medically necessary.
- Coverage depends on medical necessity and Medicare requirements.
Important: Many people qualify for premium-free Part A based on their or a spouse’s work history. Others may be able to buy Part A.
For complete and current information, review Medicare.gov and official plan documents.