MEDICARE PLANS

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance under Original Medicare. 

Medicare Part A is provided by the federal government and managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

It helps cover:

  • Hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care (not long-term or custodial care)
  • Hospice care
  • Some home health services

Who Can Get Medicare Part A?

You’re eligible for Medicare Part A if:

    • You are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
    • You are 65 or older (or turning 65 soon)

You may also qualify under 65 if:

    • You have a qualifying disability
    • You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

When and How to Sign Up for Medicare Part A

Most people are enrolled automatically.
If you’re getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll get your Medicare card in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday (or your 25th month of disability).

You may need to sign up yourself if you’re not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.

— You can sign up online through Social Security, by phone, or in person.

Missed your Initial Enrollment Period?
If you didn’t sign up when first eligible and don’t qualify for a special enrollment, you can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31).

— Your coverage will start the month after you sign up.

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost?

For most people, Medicare Part A is free.

  • You qualify for premium-free Part A if:
    • You or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).
  • If you don’t qualify for free Part A:
    • You can still get it, but you’ll pay a monthly premium.
    • In 2025, the premium can be up to $505 per month, depending on how long you worked.
  • Other costs with Part A include:
    • Deductible: $1,632 per benefit period (in 2025)
    • Hospital stay copays after day 60
    • Skilled nursing facility copays after day 20

Even with “free” Part A, you may still have out-of-pocket costs depending on the care you need.

What Medicare Part A COVERS

  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Skilled nursing facility care (short-term, after a hospital stay)
  • Hospice care
  • Home health care (if you meet certain conditions)

What Medicare Part A Does NOT Cover

  • Doctor visits (covered under Part B)
  • Outpatient care
  • Prescription drugs (you’ll need a separate Part D plan)
  • Long-term care (like nursing homes or assisted living)
  • Dental, vision, or hearing care
  • Custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, eating, etc., if that’s all you need)