What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Let’s clarify what Medicare Part A is. Part A Medicare is hospital insurance provided by the federal government to people who are 65 years old, people with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease.

Who Is Eligible For Medicare Part A
Part A is funded by payroll taxes paid by employees and employers throughout their working lives. Most people are eligible for Part A when they turn 65, as long as they or their spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Most people don’t have to pay for Part A.

Part A Medicare covers hospital care, such as inpatient stays, surgeries, and skilled nursing care. It also covers hospice care, and some home health care services. It’s important to note that it doesn’t cover everything 100%.

How Medicare Part A Works
Let’s take a look at an example of how Part A Medicare works. If you have a hospital stay, Part A Medicare will cover your room and board, nursing care, meals, and other hospital services and supplies. You may also be responsible for a deductible and coinsurance, depending on the length of your stay.

Part A does not cover some services which include long-term care, custodial care, and most dental care. If you need these services, you may need to look into additional coverage options.

When To Enroll
So, when can you enroll in Part A of Medicare? Most people are automatically enrolled when they turn 65 and are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
If you are not automatically enrolled, you can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. This is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65. If you miss this window, you may be subject to a late enrollment penalty.  So it’s important to enroll on time.

If you have any questions please call our office at (800) 783-5901 and we’ll be happy to help you!