Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A is the part of Original Medicare that provides coverage for admissions to a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice, as well as some home health services.

Anyone 65 years old or older is eligible to enroll. Starting 3 months prior to your 65th birthday, you can enroll in Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Or, automatic enrollment occurs if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for at least four months prior to turning 65.

You may also receive Part A automatically if you have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months. And, if you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, you’ll be automatically enrolled as soon as your disability benefits begin.

Coverage with Part A

With Part A, you will receive coverage for:

Inpatient hospital stays
Home health care
Hospice care
Skilled nursing facility care

The Low Cost of Medicare Part A

Because Medicare Part A is offered through the federal government, its premiums and deductibles are regulated.

Premiums are monthly payments you must make in order to maintain coverage—for Part A, however, you likely do not have to pay it. For example, if you worked at least 10 years and paid taxes, you are eligible for premium-free Part A. And, if you are automatically enrolled, chances are you will also have premium-free Part A.

If you did not work and pay taxes for at least 10 years, you may have to pay a premium. For 2021, your monthly premium would be $259 if you worked at least 7.5 years, and $471 if you worked less than 7.5 years.

You are also required to pay a deductible. Though premiums and deductibles are subject to change each year.

Original Medicare — Parts A and B

Medicare Part A and Part B work together to form Original Medicare. If you are eligible for Part A, you can get Part B as well.

Together, these plans cover your basic healthcare needs—but what’s the difference between the two of them? While Part A covers inpatient hospital and nursing facility care, Part B covers general treatment, preventative, and diagnostic services and care, including:

Ambulance services
Durable medical equipment
Mental health services
X-rays and lab tests
Certain outpatient prescriptions
Provider services
Screenings and vaccines

Having both together means stronger coverage. And if you are looking for even more benefits and coverage, you can add an Advantage Plan (Part C), Part D, or a Medicare Supplement plan. Even though having Medicare Parts A and B can last a lifetime, they can also leave you financially exposed without any extra coverage.

Get Medicare Part A Today

Now that you have an understanding of Part A, it’s time to figure out your enrollment and other potential coverage. Medicare Detectives will help you lay out an insured future—for the Medicare guidance you need, give us a call or visit either of our offices in St. Charles, Missouri or Sarasota, Florida.