Part A is hospital insurance that helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and home health care.

How Much Does Part A Cost?

Most people don’t pay a Part A premium because they paid Medicare taxes while working. This is called “premium-free Part A.”

If you aren’t eligible for premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy Part A if you meet one of these conditions:

• You’re 65 or older, and you have (or are enrolling in) Part B, and you meet the citizenship or residency requirements.
• You’re under 65, disabled, and your premium-free Part A coverage ended because you returned to work. (If you’re under 65 and disabled, you can continue to get premium-free Part A for up to 8.5 years after you return to work.)

In most cases, if you choose to buy Part A, you must also have Part B and pay monthly premiums for both. If you have limited income and resources, your state may help you pay for Part A and/or Part B.

What Does Part A Cover?

In general, Part A covers:

• Inpatient care in hospitals (such as critical access hospitals,inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals)
• Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long term care)
• Hospice care services
• Home health care services
• Inpatient care in a Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution

Note: Staying overnight in a hospital doesn’t always mean you’re an inpatient. You’re considered an inpatient the day a doctor formally admits you to a hospital with a doctor’s order. Being an inpatient or an outpatient affects what you pay and whether you’ll qualify for Part A coverage in a skilled nursing facility. Always ask if you’re an inpatient or an outpatient.