This article will talk about Medicare Part A, which is often called “hospitalization coverage.” Medicare is made up of many different parts, and some of these parts work together. So, if you want to see the whole picture, check out our Medicare blog series page to stay up to date on the information you need.
How to Get Coverage
Some people find it easy to get Part A coverage because it comes automatically if they are 65 years old and already getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement. People who don’t get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits have 7 months to sign up: 3 months before their birth month, their birth month, and 3 months after. It’s important to know that if you miss the 7-month window, you might have to pay penalties on your premiums.
The best part is that most people don’t have to pay anything each month for give back plan b Medicare and ACA plan. If a person has worked for a company that pays into Medicare for 30 quarters or less, their Part A premium is $499 per month. If a person has worked for a company that is covered by Medicare for 30–39 quarters, their Part A premium is $274/month1. But for most people, the “free part” comes with a catch: Medicare Part A only covers a small number of things.
What Does Medicare Part A Cover?
- Hospital care for people who stay there
- Skilled care in a nursing home
- Health care at home
- Hospice care
In-Patient Care
After a doctor officially admits you to a hospital, you can start getting care there. You are covered for up to 90 days per benefit period, and you get 60 reserve days for the rest of your life. For example, if you stay in the hospital for 100 days during your first benefit period, you use up 10 of your 60 lifetime reserve days. So, if you have a second benefit period of 160 days that is separate from the first, 20 of those days would not be covered. Keep in mind that for the second benefit period to start, you can’t have been an in-patient for 60 days in a row.
As part of your human Medicare give back plans, Medicare will pay for semi-private rooms, meals, general nursing, and other hospital services and supplies. It doesn’t include private rooms, private duty nursing, a TV or phone in your room if you have to pay extra for them, or items like razors that are used for personal care.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care
If you are eligible, you can get skilled nursing care for up to 100 days per benefit period. Part A says that you have to stay in a hospital as an in-patient for three nights before you can go to a skilled nursing facility. This has to happen within 30 days of being admitted to a skilled nursing facility.
But Original Medicare won’t pay for the skilled nursing stay if the patient stayed in the hospital for three nights just to be watched. Observational status is often confusing, and when patients find out they have to pay the bill, they are most surprised. Medicare Part A also doesn’t pay for long-term care for people who just need help with daily tasks.