Medicare Part A Cost, Eligibility, Benefits & More
Medicare Part A
When you begin Original Medicare, you are enrolled into Medicare Part A automatically. Part A is one of the 3 parts of Original Medicare and is your hospital insurance. More specifically, it provides inpatient care coverage. This includes care you’ll receive when you’re in a Skilled nursing facility (SNF), hospital, and sometimes — at home.
Medicare Part A Eligibility
Not everyone is eligible for Medicare Part-A. Your eligibility will be based on one of the following:
- You must be age 65 or older
- Eligible to receive Social Security
- Eligible to receive Railroad Retirement Board Benefits
Medicare Part A Benefits
The following is a breakdown of your benefits. It shows you what Medicare pays. You are responsible for the remaining costs unless you have a Medicare Supplement plan to cover these expenses.
The Top 6 benefits of Part-A:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Long-term hospital care
- Inpatient rehab
- Home health care
- Skilled nursing facility care (SNL)
- Hospice care
Part A Benefits
Parts A and B Benefits
Both Part A and Part B benefits help cover the costs of home health care – Medicare approved services.
Below is a breakdown of benefits. It shows you what Medicare pays. You are responsible for the remaining costs unless you have a Medicare Supplement plan to cover these expenses.
When can I enroll in Part A?
When someone receives benefits from Social Security, they are enrolled into Original Medicare automatically.
You will not have to apply separately to get Part-A.
3 months before you turn age 65, you should receive your Medicare card in the mail. If you qualify for Medicare due to disability, you should get your card on your 25th month of your disability.
What if I’m still working and don’t receive Social Security?
If you don’t receive Social Security benefits at age 65, you’ll have to sign up for your Medicare Part A by visiting the official Medicare website.
If you are not receiving Social Security income benefits (for example, if you are working) when you turn 65, then you will need to actively sign up for Medicare Part A. If you’re needing to apply for your Medicare Part A, you’ll have to visit the Social Security website or call them directly at 800-772-1213.
how much does medicare cost per month?
How much is your Medicare Part A Premium?
Most people will not have a premium if they’ve worked for 10 years or 40 quarters. If you have not worked for 40 quarters or 10 years, you can still pay for Part-A.
The reason that most people don’t have a premium is that most people have been paying Medicare taxes throughout their working years. Your taxes were used make up for the costs of Part A when you start Medicare.
Having said that, Medicare will not start paying your hospital costs until you have paid your annual Deductible.
Medicare Help
Would you like expert help with any of your Medicare insurance needs?
We’re here to help you from start to finish. Call our insurance experts at (888) 411-1329 for your FREE Medicare consultation!
💡 Your next step: Once you have Medicare, most people add a supplement plan to cover out-of-pocket costs. Compare Medicare Supplement plans to find the right fit.
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Written by Michael Quinn
Licensed Broker, REMEDIGAP Founder
Fact Checked by Joann Quinn
Chief Compliance Officer
As a licensed insurance broker, REMEDIGAP upholds the principles of integrity in our editorial standards and ensures transparency in how we receive compensation from our insurance partners.