Obamacare News Blog

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

What Is Part A (Hospital Insurance)?

Part A is hospital insurance that helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, as well as hospice and home health care.

How Much Does Part A Cost?

Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A, because they paid Medicare taxes while working. This is called “premium-free Part A.”

If you are not eligible for premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy Part A if you meet one of the following conditions:

• You are 65 or older, entitled to (or enrolling in) Part B, and meet the citizenship or residency requirements.
• You are under 65, disabled, and your premium-free Part A coverage ended because you returned to work. (If you’re under 65 and disabled, you can continue to get premium-free Part A for up to 8.5 years after you return to work.)

In most cases, if you choose to buy Part A, you must also have Part B and pay monthly premiums for both. If you have limited income and resources, your state may assist you in paying for Part A and/or Part B

How Do I Get Part A?

Some people automatically get Part A.  Learn how and when you can sign up for Part A via our Applying for Medicare article

What Does Part A Cover?

In general, Part A provides coverage for:

• Inpatient care in hospitals (such as critical access hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals)
• Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long term care)
• Hospice care services
• Home health care services
• Inpatient care in a Religious Non-Medical Health Care Institution

Note: Staying overnight in a hospital doesn’t always mean you’re an inpatient. You are considered an inpatient the day a doctor formally admits you to a hospital with a doctor’s order. Being an inpatient or an outpatient affects your out-of-pocket costs. Always ask if you’re an inpatient or an outpatient.