Medicare Part A: Cost, Coverage, and Eligibility (2025 Guide)
Medicare Part A is the hospital insurance half of Original Medicare. It covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and some home healthcare costs. Seniors are automatically enrolled when they turn 65. Monthly premiums are typically $0, but you must pay the Medicare Part A deductible each time you use coverage.
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Adam Lubenow
Medicare Broker
Adam Lubenow is a partner in his family business, Senior Advisor, which specializes in bringing clarity to the Medicare enrollment process and coverage options to ensure that clients are making informed decisions. Senior Advisors is licensed to help clients in over 40 states and has offices in Arizona and New Jersey. Prior to joining the family business, Adam spent his career with Verizon Busin...
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UPDATED: Aug 14, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Aug 14, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
On This Page
Medicare Part A is known as hospital insurance. It pays for hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and limited home healthcare. Medicare Part A is also called Original Medicare when combined with Part B medical insurance.
Premiums are typically free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while employed. However, beneficiaries are required to pay coinsurance and must meet a deductible for every hospital stay. Check out our guide to Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) for help covering your insurance costs.
- Original Medicare plans include Medicare Part A and Part B
- Medicare Part A costs $0 per month for most beneficiaries
- Coverage includes up to 60 days in a hospital with $0 coinsurance
While most retirees are automatically enrolled in Part A, you may want to consider comparing Medicare Part A, B, C, D, and Medigap plans to ensure you’re completely covered. Enter your ZIP code to explore your Medicare options and speak with a licensed insurance agent.
Comparing Costs and Deductibles for Medicare Part A
Most seniors pay nothing for Medicare Part A coverage. Premiums are $0 per month, and cosinsurance costs only kick in after a set number of days.
Medicare Copay, Coinsurance, & Premium Cost Breakdown| Feature | Copay | Coinsurance | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Hospital Stay | None (initial days) | $0 for days 1-60 $419/day (61-90) $838/day (91-150) | $0 with 40+ work quarters Up to $505/month otherwise |
| Skilled Nursing Facility | None (first 20 days) | $209.50/day (days 21-100) | Included in Part A (no separate premium) |
| Hospice Care | Small drug copay ($5) | $0 for care 5% for respite care | Included in Part A |
| Home Health Services | $0 | $0 | Included in Part A |
| Psychiatric Inpatient | Same as hospital stay | Same daily coinsurance structure | Same as hospital stay |
| Blood Transfusions | You pay first 3 pints unless donated | $0 after 3 pints if hospital gets it free | Included in Part A |
If you don’t meet the minimum work requirements, you could pay up to $505 a month for coverage. You’re also responsible for paying the Medicare Part A deductible, which must be met at every hospital visit.
There are many ways to finance what health insurance won’t cover, so it’s recommended that you still sign up for Part A as soon as you’re eligible. It’s the most affordable option for seniors, especially those with pre-existing conditions.
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What Medicare Part A Covers
Medicare Part A benefits cover all inpatient care needs, from hospital stays to nursing care. It will also cover inpatient services if you’re admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Who is eligible for Medicare? Most seniors are automatically enrolled when they turn 65 and can immediately start using Medicare Part A benefits.
One-third of beneficiaries use their Medicare Part A coverage for hospital stays and nursing care. Many also use it to cover hospice costs and ensure comfortable end-of-life care.
Difference Between Part A vs. Part B Medicare
Medicare Part A and Part B work together as the two halves of Original Medicare but cover different parts. What is the difference between Plan A and B? Medicare Part A covers inpatient care, like hospitals, while Part B covers outpatient care, including doctor visits and medical supplies. Compare Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage to learn more.
What does Medicare Part B not cover? It won’t pay for the hospital coverage Part A covers, and it doesn’t cover prescription drugs or dental care. In that case, do you really need Medicare Part B? It is recommended to get both, as each plan can sometimes overlap. For example, while Part A covers hospital stays, Part B covers the ambulance you might take to get there.
Because neither Part A nor Part B covers everything, many people turn to Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C), which package these benefits together and help fill in coverage gaps. If you have questions about Medicare Part A, B, and C, call (855) 634-0435 now for help.
What Medicare Part A Doesn’t Cover
Medicare Part A covers a wide variety of inpatient care services you would need in a hospital or nursing facility, but there is a long list of exclusions that your Original Medicare plan won’t pay for.
Medicare Part A Exclusions| Exclusions | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Custodial Long-Term Care | Not medically necessary; considered non-skilled care |
| Dental Services | Not related to hospital or inpatient care |
| Vision Care | Routine exams and glasses not covered |
| Hearing Aids | Not deemed essential inpatient treatment |
| Private Duty Nursing | Not standard for inpatient coverage |
| Overseas Care | Medicare usually doesn’t cover international care |
| Cosmetic Surgery | Not medically necessary for treatment |
| Care outside the U.S. | Foreign care rarely covered |
| Personal comfort items | Not medically required items |
| Blood Transfusions | You pay first 3 pints unless donated |
You are responsible for finding the appropriate health insurance to cover the gaps. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include additional benefits that pay for these coverages, but many people turn to Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) to fill in the holes in their Part A policy.
You may only need one type of policy to fill in a specific gap in your Part A coverage. For instance, Medicare Part D specifically covers prescription drugs and can be used with Part A only, Original Medicare, or your existing health coverage.
Limits to Medicare Part A Coverage
Medicare Part A won’t cover everything — it’s called hospital insurance because it only covers inpatient care, and there are limits to this coverage.
Medicare Part A Pros & Cons
Feature Pros Cons
Inpatient Hospital Care Covers hospital room, meals, and services Limited days; coinsurance may apply
Skilled Nursing Facility Helps with rehab after hospital stay Only after 3-day inpatient admission
Hospice Care Full support for terminal care Must stop curative treatments
Home Health Services Covers part-time nursing or therapy Limited to medical necessity
Automatic Enrollment Enrolled with Social Security benefits May need to delay if still employed
No Monthly Premium Free with enough work history Premium charged if work credits are insufficient
Nationwide Access Accepted at most U.S. hospitals No coverage abroad
Limited Out-of-Pocket Costs Predictable with deductibles and limits Doesn’t cover all medical expenses
It covers hospital stays, but only 60 days are free, and skilled nursing care coverage is limited to 100 days until coinsurance payments are required. Other services are limited to medical necessity, typically post-op nursing care and rehabilitation.
If you stay in the hospital for a week, are discharged, and then readmitted a day later, you're required to pay another Medicare Part A deductible.
Michelle Robbins Licensed Insurance Agent
Medicare recipients are also limited to network-only providers, which means you could lose access to your family practitioner or preferred specialists.
Read More: Best Gastroenterologists That Accept Medicare
Signing Up for Medicare Part A
Most seniors are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when they turn 65 and start receiving Social Security benefits. However, eligibility officially starts three months before your 65th birthday, so you can sign up for Medicare early during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
Medicare Enrollment Periods: Dates & Options
Enrollment Period When It Occurs What You Can Do
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) 3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday Enroll in Part A or B
General Enrollment Period (GEP) January 1 – March 31 each year Enroll with possible penalty
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) While working or within 8 months of losing group coverage Enroll without late penalty
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment January 1 – March 31 each year Switch or drop Advantage plan
Automatic Enrollment At age 65 if receiving Social Security/RRB Automatically enrolled in Part A
Once you turn 65 and meet Medicare Part A eligibility requirements, take the following steps to get the coverage you need:
- Gather Required Documents: Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of legal residency, and any current health insurance information.
- Apply Online: Enroll online with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by calling (855) 634-0435 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
- Choose Your Coverage: Decide whether to enroll in Part A only or in both Part A and Part B.
- Receive Your Medicare Card: After processing (usually within 30 days), your card will arrive in the mail showing your Part A start date.
If you wait to get coverage, then sign up during a General Enrollment Period (GEP), but you could pay a penalty if you wait too long. Special Medicare Part A enrollment periods are reserved for those who receive disability benefits or a terminal diagnosis.
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Everything You Need to Know About Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance, covering inpatient stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and limited home healthcare. While it’s premium-free for most who paid Medicare taxes during their working years, it does have limits, such as caps on covered days and in-network doctors and facilities (Learn More: Best Endocrinologists That Accept Medicare).
Medicare Part A Overview
Coverage Details Eligibility
Inpatient Hospital Care Room, meals, nursing, inpatient-related drugs Age 65+ or disability with work history
Skilled Nursing Facility Care after 3-day hospital stay Must follow hospital stay and doctor order
Hospice Care End-of-life comfort and support care Terminal illness with 6-month life expectancy
Home Health Services Part-time skilled nursing or therapy Doctor-ordered and medically necessary
Psychiatric Inpatient Care Psychiatric hospital coverage up to 190 days Same as general Part A requirements
Blood Transfusions You pay first 3 pints unless donated Standard Part A eligibility
If you don’t meet the work requirement, you may still qualify by paying a monthly premium, but Medicare Part A costs can reach $505 a month. Speaking with a licensed insurance agent can help you compare all your options and find the right balance of cost and coverage. Call (855) 634-0435 to talk to an agent today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A coverage is known as hospital insurance since it covers most inpatient care services, including surgery, hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice care.
What is the difference between Medicare Part A and B coverage?
Medicare Part A only covers inpatient care, including hospital, hospice, and skilled nursing services, while Part B pays for outpatient care, like routine doctor’s visits, medical equipment, and ambulances. Do I need both Medicare Part A and B? No, but it’s recommended that you carry Medicare Part A and B coverage.
Is Medicare Part A free?
Is Medicare Part A free at age 65? Medicare Part A premiums are $0 for retirees who paid into Social Security while employed.
How much is Medicare Part A if you never worked?
Medicare Part A costs will vary based on how long you worked. Most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years will pay $0 or a reduced rate. If you never worked, you may still be eligible for $0 premiums based on your spouse’s employment history. Read our guide to find out how much Medicare costs near you.
Does Medicare Part A cover surgery?
Yes, Medicare Part A covers surgeries and some rehabilitation costs after surgery.
Does Medicare Part A cover doctors in a hospital?
Yes, care provided in a hospital is covered by Medicare Part A benefits.
Does Medicare Part A cover ambulance?
No, Medicare Part B covers ambulance rides. How much does Medicare Part B cost? Part B premiums are $185 per month.
Why would a person not have Medicare Part A?
You must be 65 or older to qualify for Medicare Part A. Seniors who don’t have Part A may not qualify for free premiums and choose not to pay or have coverage through an employer or the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare). Learn more in our ObamaCare review.
Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?
Original Medicare only covers up to 80% of hospital bills, which is why many seniors opt for Medicare Advantage or MediGap plans to cover what Medicare doesn’t.
What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital care, nursing facilities, and most outpatient medical costs, it doesn’t pay for everything. Medicare Advantage plans may include additional benefits, but coverage varies by state. Call to speak with a local representative about your options.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Adam Lubenow
Medicare Broker
Adam Lubenow is a partner in his family business, Senior Advisor, which specializes in bringing clarity to the Medicare enrollment process and coverage options to ensure that clients are making informed decisions. Senior Advisors is licensed to help clients in over 40 states and has offices in Arizona and New Jersey. Prior to joining the family business, Adam spent his career with Verizon Busin...
Medicare Broker
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
