Medicare Part A
There are two parts to Original Medicare. The first is Medicare Part A; this part deals with inpatient care and hospitalization.
What Does Part A Cost?
Like most people, you qualify for premium-free Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. You will be automatically enrolled in premium-free Medicare Part A if:
If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you can buy it for either $278 or $506 each month depending on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.
*Monthly Part A rates are current as of 2024.
Visit the Medicare and Social Security websites for more information about Part A premiums.
YOU'RE OVER AGE 65 AND:
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You already get or are eligible to get retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board
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You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employement.
YOU'RE UNDER AGE 65 AND:
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You received Social Security or Railroad disability benefits for 24 months.
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You have ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) and meet certain requirements.
What Does Part A Cover?
Part A Covers:
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Inpatient care in a hospital
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Skilled Nursing Facility
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Nursing home care (that's not custodial or long-term care)
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Hospice care
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Home health care
You are responsible for the Part A deductible which is the first $1,632 of each benefit period. A benefit period begins when you enter the hospital and ends 60 days after being discharged. In addition, you may be subject to a daily co-pay depending on the length of your stay (as much as $816 per day). If your inpatient stay surpasses 150 days, you are responsible all costs *Part A deductible and daily co-pay rates current as of 2024
This is why a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is important.
You can obtain a plan that pays 100% of this deductible and all co-pays
(visit the Medicare Supplements tab).