To help you navigate these options and find the best plan for your needs, we’ve teamed up with Chapter to provide personalized, 1-1 guidance.


When preparing for a hospital stay, the last thing you want to worry about is how to pay for it. That's where Medicare Part A comes in. It’s crucial to understand this part of Medicare, especially if hospitalization is on the horizon, so you can focus on your recovery instead of medical bills.

What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A is known as hospital insurance. It’s one part of Original Medicare, which also includes Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you're 65 or older and have paid Medicare taxes while working, you're likely eligible for premium-free Part A. It helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care services. Understanding how Part A works can prevent surprise expenses when you need care the most.

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Medicare Part A helps cover a range of hospital-related services. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included:

  • Inpatient Hospital Care: If you’re admitted to a hospital, Part A helps pay for your room, meals, nursing care, and medications during your stay. This coverage is vital for any unexpected surgeries or medical treatments that require an overnight stay. Learn more about inpatient hospital care.
  • Skilled Nursing Facility Care: After a hospital stay of at least three days, Medicare Part A may cover additional care at a skilled nursing facility if you need rehabilitation or medical treatment before heading home.
  • Home Health Care: Sometimes, you might recover better in the comfort of your home. Part A can cover home health care services like part-time nursing care, physical therapy, and other skilled care you need while recovering.
  • Hospice Care: If you are terminally ill, Part A helps cover hospice care to keep you comfortable during the last stages of life. This includes pain management, counseling, and other services to support both you and your family.

What Does Medicare Part A Not Cover?

While Part A covers a lot, it’s important to know what it doesn’t cover. For instance:

  • Outpatient Care: Most doctor visits, medical supplies, and outpatient treatments fall under Medicare Part B, not Part A.
  • Observation Services: If you are not admitted, observation services fall under outpatient coverage. These are services you get while your doctor decides whether to admit you as an inpatient or discharge you. You can get observation services in the emergency department or another area of the hospital. Observation services are covered if you are admitted. More information on observation services vs. inpatient status.
  • Long-Term Care: Part A covers skilled nursing care but not long-term custodial care, like help with bathing or dressing.
  • Private Hospital Rooms: Unless medically necessary, you’ll share a hospital room with other patients. If you want a private room, you’ll likely pay extra.

Knowing what’s covered and what isn’t can help you plan for the costs and make informed decisions during your hospital stay.


To help you navigate these options and find the best plan for your needs, we’ve teamed up with Chapter to provide personalized, 1-1 guidance.


How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost?

For most people, Medicare Part A is free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. However, there are some costs you should be aware of:

  • Deductibles: For each benefit period (which starts when you’re admitted to the hospital and ends after you’ve been out for 60 days), you’ll need to pay a deductible. In 2024, this deductible is $1,600 per benefit period.
  • Coinsurance: After 60 days in the hospital, you’ll start paying a daily coinsurance. For days 61-90, it’s $400 per day. After day 90, you’ll use “lifetime reserve days,” which cost $800 per day, and you have only 60 of these days over your lifetime.
  • Skilled Nursing Care Costs: Part A covers up to 20 days of skilled nursing care at no cost to you. After that, you’ll pay a daily coinsurance of $200 for days 21-100. Beyond day 100, you’re responsible for all costs.  

How to Prepare for Hospitalization

Understanding your Medicare Part A coverage can help you feel more confident going into a hospital stay. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Check Your Coverage: Before you’re admitted, verify that the hospital and any skilled nursing facilities you may use accept Medicare. Most do, but it’s always good to check.
  • Understand Your Out-of-Pocket Costs: Knowing your deductible and potential coinsurance amounts will help you avoid surprises when the bill arrives.
  • Know Your Rights: As a Medicare recipient, you have rights when receiving hospital care. This includes the right to be informed about your care plan and the right to appeal if you disagree with a hospital discharge decision.
  • Have a Plan for Post-Hospital Care: If you’ll need follow-up care after your hospital stay, like skilled nursing or home health services, make sure you understand what Medicare will cover and for how long.

Medicare Part A is an essential tool to help cover hospital costs, but it’s important to be prepared and know what to expect before heading to the hospital. By understanding your coverage, costs, and what services are included, you can focus on your recovery and not the financial burden. Remember, Medicare Part A is there to ease your hospital experience, not complicate it.

To learn more about Medicare and other healthcare options, take a Medicare class on GetSetUp. Stay informed and empowered about your healthcare decisions.

Reviewed By: Keith Gilbert