Medicare Part A

What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A is a fundamental component of Medicare, the federal health insurance program in the United States primarily for people aged 65 and older, as well as for some younger people with disabilities or certain diseases.

Part A is often referred to as hospital insurance because it mainly covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. It’s designed to help cover significant healthcare costs without the need for a long-term insurance plan.

For most beneficiaries who have been employed and paid taxes over their working years, Medicare Part A comes without any charge, unlike Part B.

What services does Medicare Part A cover?

Medicare Part A is covers both inpatient care within a hospital environment as well as other services:

• Inpatient care in hospitals: This includes care received while admitted to a hospital, including a semi-private room, meals, general nursing, drugs as part of your inpatient treatment, and other hospital services and supplies.
• Skilled nursing facility care: After a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare Part A covers certain services in a skilled nursing facility, such as semi-private room, meals, skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapy (if needed), and other services and supplies.
• Hospice care: For patients who are terminally ill and choose palliative care over treatment for their illness. This includes support for pain relief, symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and other services.
• Some home health care services: If you meet certain conditions, Medicare Part A may cover home health care services such as intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, and continued occupational services.

While Medicare coverage can differ from state to state, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is consistently provided across the country by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Why is Medicare Part A important for healthcare?

Medicare Part A provides financial protection for older adults and people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to necessary inpatient healthcare services without the burden of unmanageable costs.