Medicare has four parts, but Medicare Part A is the most common. It’s the coverage most people receive if they are 65-years old or older and are on Social Security, or are at least eligible for it.
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers the following:
Inpatient hospital stays – You’ll pay a deductible for your inpatient hospital stay, but pay $0 co-pays for up to the first 60 days in the hospital. From days 61–90, you’ll pay a per-day co-pay. If you reach beyond 90 days in a benefit period, you get 60 ‘lifetime reserve days,’ at a higher co-pay. Inpatient services include semi-private rooms, meals, nursing, drugs, and medical supplies.
Skilled nursing facility – Care in a skilled nursing facility is covered if you have hospital benefit days remaining; you were in the hospital for at least three days, and your doctor recommends skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing care includes a semi-private room, meals, nurse care, various therapies, social services, and medication. Your benefit period includes up to 100 days in an SNF, but only the first 20 days have no copay.
Hospice – Medicare Part A covers all of the hospice with no co-pays if your doctor confirms you have six months or less to live; you agree to palliative care, and you sign a statement agreeing to comfort care versus treatment. Hospice care includes doctor and nurse care, medical equipment and supplies, medications, therapies, social work, and counseling.
Home health care – Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B cover part-time in-home health care. The services include various therapies, social services, and part-time hands-on care. It doesn’t cover 24-hour care at home, meal delivery, or personal care services.
What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?
Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B cover different services. Part B covers the medically necessary services to diagnose or treat a condition. It also covers preventative services, such as a physical exam or flu shots. They cover most preventative services at no charge, but other services have a copay.
Medicare Part A covers the costs to stay in the hospital, including semi-private rooms, medications, nursing, meals, and hospital supplies.
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Is Medicare Part A Free?
Medicare Part A is free if you qualify. If you or your spouse worked in the U.S. for at least ten years and paid Medicare taxes then you may qualify for free Part A coverage. If you don’t qualify, you may purchase Part A and pay a monthly premium.
Professional Help Understanding Medicare Part A
At Senior Insurance Representatives, we are here to help you understand Medicare Part A and your various options. Call us today to get help applying for Medicare or enrolling in Medicare supplemental insurance at 1-800-327-7888.
