Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance, covering essential healthcare services during hospital stays. This coverage helps protect you from unexpected medical bills while ensuring you receive quality inpatient care. Understanding Medicare Part A is the first step toward making informed healthcare decisions in retirement.
A quick and simple guide to help you understand what Medicare Part A covers, who qualifies, and how to enroll.
Medicare Part A covers a range of hospital-related services, ensuring you receive necessary care without overwhelming medical expenses:
Inpatient Hospital Stays
Covers room, meals, nursing care, and medications during hospitalization.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care
Short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay, including physical therapy and nursing care.
Hospice Care
Comfort care, medications, and support services for terminally ill patients.
Home Health Care
Limited skilled nursing and therapy services for homebound individuals.
Mental Health Inpatient Services
Limited skilled nursing and therapy services for homebound individuals.
Blood Transfusions
If the hospital must buy blood for you, Medicare Part A helps cover the cost.
Most people qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A if they:
If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you can still purchase it for a monthly premium.
Sign up automatically
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled.
Enroll manually
If you aren’t receiving benefits yet, you’ll need to apply at SSA.gov or by calling Social Security.
When to apply
Apply 3 months before your 65th birthday to avoid coverage delays.
Late enrollment penalty
If you don’t enroll when first eligible, you may have to pay a higher premium later.
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