Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is an important part of healthcare coverage in the United States. It’s available to people who meet certain requirements, such as being a citizen or permanent legal resident for the last five years and reaching the age of 65. If you have a disability or have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, you might be eligible for Medicare coverage before turning 65.
If you’re already receiving benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you don’t need to worry about enrolling in Medicare Part A, as you’ll be automatically enrolled.
Part A
Medicare Part A coverage can be confusing for some recipients because it doesn’t cover all services. While many people receive these benefits at no cost, they need to have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years to be eligible. However, some individuals may be able to get this coverage by paying a monthly premium.
What Part A Covers
Medicare Part A is often referred to as hospital coverage, as it covers some of the fundamental aspects of inpatient hospital visits. While the specific services covered may vary, Medicare Part A generally contributes to the costs of:
- Hospice Care
- Home Health Services
- Inpatient Hospital Care
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care
If you fall ill or get injured, your Medicare Part A coverage will help pay for many aspects of your hospital visit, such as a semi-private room, meals, and necessary medications during your stay. Your plan may also partially or fully cover supplies, nursing services, and other medical expenses. In case of home healthcare treatment, Medicare Part A can cover physical and occupational therapy, durable medical equipment, medical social services, and more.
Medicare Part A also helps with the costs associated with staying in a skilled nursing facility. After spending at least three days in the hospital, your physician must approve your daily skilled care needs. Part A also covers palliative care through hospice services if you have a terminal illness with a timeline of six months or less to live, similar to hospital care benefits.
Items That Are Not Covered
While Medicare Part A does cover a vast amount of hospital-based services, it’s important to note that it doesn’t cover 100% of your medical bills. The amount of coverage you receive will depend on various factors such as private hospital rooms, meals at home, and long-term skilled care, which are not included.
To receive coverage, you must visit a Medicare provider who works in a Medicare-designated facility. If you are approaching the age of 65, you will receive your coverage information in the mail about three months before your birthday. If you do not receive the information, make sure to check if you need to manually enroll for your benefits.
Our Agents
Our team is made up of compassionate, friendly individuals who understand the unique needs of older adults. We take the time to listen to your concerns and provide personalized solutions that work for you. We provide additional and detailed information on Medicare Health Plans and a no-cost plan comparison to determine if you qualify for additional benefits.
