If you’re turning 65 soon, learning about Medicare can feel like navigating a new language. One of the first and most important parts to understand is
Medicare Part A. This blog is here to help you make sense of it all—in a calm, friendly, and easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re preparing for retirement or helping a loved one, understanding what Medicare Part A covers, how it works, and what it costs can give you peace of mind as you take this important step toward your future healthcare.
What Is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is often referred to as hospital insurance. It helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, along with other related services. It’s one of the
two parts of what’s called Original Medicare, which includes:
- Part A – Hospital Insurance
- Part B – Medical Insurance (for outpatient care like doctor visits)
Many people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when they turn 65, especially if they’re already receiving Social Security benefits.
What Does Medicare Part A Cover?
Part A helps pay for care in the following settings:
Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage
Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your
healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose
between:
1. Inpatient Hospital Stays
Semi-private room, meals, nursing care, and medications while you’re admittedIncludes care in acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities
2. Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care
- Short-term care after a qualifying hospital stay (must be at least 3 days)
- Covers rehabilitation, nursing, and therapy services—not long-term custodial care
3. Hospice Care
- For individuals with a terminal illness
- Includes pain relief, symptom management, and support for families
4. Limited Home Health Services
- Part-time skilled nursing or therapy if you’re homebound and meet eligibility requirements
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part A?
You’re eligible for Medicare Part A at age 65 if:
- You’re a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- You or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters)
You can also qualify earlier if you have certain disabilities or medical conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS .
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost?
For most people, Medicare Part A is premium-free if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
If you haven’t met the work requirement:
- You may pay up to $505/month in 2024 (varies slightly each year)
- Partial premium available if you worked 30–39 quarters
Other costs with Part A include:
- Deductible (in 2024, it’s $1,632 per benefit period)
- Coinsurance for longer hospital stays (days 61 and beyond)
When and How to Enroll in Part A
If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (and Part B) starting the month you turn 65.
If not, you’ll need to enroll yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) :
- Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month
- Ends 3 months after your birthday month
You can enroll through:
- The Social Security website (ssa.gov/medicare)
- Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
Do You Need Only Part A?
Part A is just one piece of the Medicare puzzle. While it helps with hospital
coverage, it doesn’t cover:
- Doctor visits
- Outpatient procedures
- Preventive care
- Prescription drugs
That’s where Part B, Part D, and Medicare Advantage or Supplement
Plans come in.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Medicare Part A Is a Strong First Step
Medicare Part A provides the foundation of your Medicare coverage by helping with hospital-related costs. While it doesn’t cover everything, it’s a
valuable benefit that brings peace of mind during hospital stays, recovery, and end-of-life care.
As you approach 65, take your time, ask questions, and explore all your Medicare options. Whether you choose to work with a licensed Medicare advisor, contact Medicare directly, or read more on Medicare.gov , getting informed now helps you avoid confusion and make the best decisions for your future.
Can I sign up for Part A and Keep my Employer coverage?
Yes, as long as your employer has over 20 employees.
Does Medicare Part A cover an Emergency Room visit?
No, that would be covered under Medicare Part B.
Does medicare Part A cover medications?
Yes and No. During an inpatient Hospital stay Part A will cover all necessary medications for your recovery but Part A does not cover the medications you routinely pick up at the local pharmacy which are covered by Part D.
Mike Miligi- Owner
For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
