Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is a health insurance program administered by the federal government which primarily covers inpatient hospital care, but also helps cover skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and home health care costs. Part A and Part B are also known as “Original Medicare”.
Who is eligible for Part A?
In general, people 65 or older and those who qualify by disability are eligible for Part A. Younger people with certain disabilities can also be eligible for Part A.
Most people who are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and they will receive a government red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before their 65th birthday.
What does Part A cover?
Medicare Part A helps cover the following medical care:
-
Hospital care
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Long-term care hospitals
- Nursing home care
- Hospice
- Home health services
Is there a monthly plan premium cost for Part A?
Yes, but most people will usually not have a monthly plan premium cost for Part A. If you or your spouse paid taxes while working for at least 10 years then there is no premium cost for Part A, which is sometimes called “premium-free Part A”.
What are the out-of-pocket costs (deductible, coinsurance) for Part A?
In 2024 you will be responsible for paying the following deductibles and coinsurance when you need medical care covered by Part A:
- $1,632 deductible for each benefit period
- Days 1-60: $0 coinsurance for each benefit period
- Days 61-90: $408 coinsurance per day of each benefit period
- Days 91 and beyond: $816 coinsurance per each "lifetime reserve day" after day 90 for each benefit period (up to 60 days over your lifetime)
- Beyond lifetime reserve days: all costs
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap) can help pay for costs which are not covered by Part A, including the deductibles and coinsurance listed above.
When can I sign up for Part A?
There is a 7 month initial enrollment period for Part A. If you are eligible due to age, you can enroll starting 3 months before the month you turn 65, during the month you turn 65, and 3 months after your birthday month. Other enrollment time periods apply if you are eligible due to disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Is there a penalty for signing up late for Part A?
Yes, a penalty is possible if you sign up late. If you are not eligible for premium-free Part A and you didn’t sign up for Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period, then your monthly plan premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the higher premium for twice the number of years you could have had Part A, but didn't sign up. The penalty usually does not apply if you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
More information
For more information on this topic, please visit www.medicare.gov