What Does Medicare Part A Cover?
What Is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that helps cover the cost of care you receive in a hospital or inpatient setting. It is one of the two components of Original Medicare, alongside Medicare Part B. For most people, Medicare Part A is premium-free if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes during their working years.
Here’s a closer look at the key benefits Medicare Part A offers:
Inpatient Hospital Care
Covers hospital stays, including semi-private rooms, meals, and general nursing care.
Also includes inpatient services like surgery, lab tests, and medications administered during your stay.
Part A covers mental health services provided in a hospital setting as well.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care
Medicare covers SNF care following a qualifying hospital stay (typically three days or longer).
This benefit includes services like rehabilitation, nursing care, and medical equipment during recovery.
Keep in mind that SNF care is not the same as long-term care or custodial care.
Hospice Care
For individuals with a terminal illness, Part A provides hospice care to manage pain and offer emotional support.
It includes services like nursing care, counseling, and medications focused on comfort and quality of life.
Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospice facility, or a nursing home.
Home Health Care
Part A covers home health services if you are recovering from an illness or injury and are unable to leave your home easily.
This may include nursing care, physical or occupational therapy, and other services to support your recovery.
What’s Not Covered by Medicare Part A?
While Medicare Part A covers many hospital-related costs, it does not cover everything. Long-term care or custodial care—such as living in a nursing home when you don’t need skilled care—is not included. Also, you’ll still need Medicare Part B for outpatient services and doctor visits and Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage.
Your Medicare Options Beyond Part A
Medicare Part A is just one piece of the healthcare puzzle. To get complete coverage, you may also need:
Medicare Part B: Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.
Medigap (Supplemental Insurance): Helps with out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance not covered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Bundles Part A, Part B, and often Part D into a private plan, with added benefits like dental and vision coverage.
Why Is Medicare Part A Important?
Medicare Part A provides vital coverage for hospital stays and other inpatient services, helping protect you from high medical bills during unexpected events. Whether it’s a planned surgery or an unplanned hospital stay, Part A ensures that much of your inpatient care is covered, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
Call Us Today to Learn More About Medicare Part A Coverage!
Understanding your Medicare options can feel complex, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you need help enrolling or want to explore how Part A fits into your overall healthcare plan, our unbiased Medicare professionals are here to assist you.
Call us today at 281-466-9985 and let us guide you toward the best Medicare plan for your needs!
