Medicare Part A is the section of Medicare that covers hospital insurance. It helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
Medicare Part A is one of the four coverage parts of Medicare. The other three parts are Medicare Part B (medical insurance), Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage).
In this article, we will explain what Medicare Part A covers, who is eligible for coverage, and how to apply for it.
What Medicare Part A Covers
Medicare Part A covers a variety of inpatient and home health care services, including:
- Hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Home health care
- Nursing home care
- Inpatient rehabilitation
- Mental health care
Medicare Part A also covers some preventive services, such as yearly wellness visits and screenings for certain diseases.
Hospital Stays
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, which are stays of 24 hours or more in a hospital.
- Semi-private room: Medicare Part A covers the cost of a semi-private room in a hospital, which is a room shared with one or more other patients.
- Private room: Medicare Part A also covers the cost of a private room in a hospital, but you may have to pay an additional charge for this type of room.
- Meals and nursing care: Medicare Part A covers the cost of meals and nursing care during your hospital stay.
- Medical supplies: Medicare Part A covers the cost of medical supplies, such as bandages, IVs, and oxygen, that you need during your hospital stay.
Medicare Part A does not cover the cost of doctor's fees, so you will need to pay for these services separately. You can use Medicare Part B to help pay for doctor's fees.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care, which is a type of care that is provided in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). SNFs are facilities that provide skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to patients who need a higher level of care than can be provided at home.
- Skilled nursing care: Medicare Part A covers the cost of skilled nursing care, which is care that is provided by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Skilled nursing care includes services such as wound care, IV therapy, and medication management.
- Rehabilitation services: Medicare Part A also covers the cost of rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Rehabilitation services help patients to regain their strength and independence after an illness or injury.
- Meals and lodging: Medicare Part A covers the cost of meals and lodging in a skilled nursing facility.
- Medical supplies: Medicare Part A covers the cost of medical supplies, such as bandages, IVs, and oxygen, that you need during your stay in a skilled nursing facility.
Medicare Part A does not cover the cost of doctor's fees, so you will need to pay for these services separately. You can use Medicare Part B to help pay for doctor's fees.
Hospice Care
Medicare Part A covers hospice care, which is a type of care that is provided to terminally ill patients who are expected to have less than six months to live. Hospise care is provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and the patient's home.
- Palliative care: Palliative care is a type of care that focuses on providing comfort and support to terminally ill patients. Palliative care can include services such as pain management, symptom management, and spiritual support.
- Bereavement care: Bereavement care is a type of care that is provided to patients who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Bereavement care can include services such as counseling, support groups, and grief counseling.
- Social services: Social services can help patients with a variety of needs, such as financial assistance, transportation, and home health care.
- Medical supplies: Medicare Part A covers the cost of medical supplies, such as pain medication, that patients need for hospice care.
Medicare Part A does not cover the cost of doctor's fees for hospice care. You may be able to use Medicare Part B to help pay for doctor's fees for hospice care.
Home Health Care
Medicare Part A covers home health care services that are provided to patients who are unable to leave their homes due to illness or injury. Home health care services can help patients to recover from an illness or injury, manage a chronic condition, or maintain their independence.
- Skilled nursing care: Medicare Part A covers the cost of skilled nursing care, which is care that is provided by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Skilled nursing care includes services such as wound care, IV therapy, and medication management.
- Physical therapy: Medicare Part A also covers the cost of physical therapy, which is a type of care that helps patients to regain their strength and mobility after an illness or injury.
- Occupational therapy: Medicare Part A covers the cost of occupational therapy, which is a type of care that helps patients to learn how to perform everyday activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
- Speech therapy: Medicare Part A covers the cost of speech therapy, which is a type of care that helps patients to improve their speech and language skills.
Medicare Part A also covers the cost of medical supplies, such as bandages, IVs, and oxygen, that patients need for home health care.