Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance
Original Medicare includes Part A, also known as Hospital Insurance. It covers care received from a qualified provider in the United States that is enrolled in Medicare and accepting Medicare patients. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays and inpatient care, including:
- A semi-private room
- Hospital Meals
- Skilled nursing services
- Specialty Unit Care, such as Intensive Care
- Medical equipment, supplies, and prescriptions used during an inpatient stay
- X-rays, Medical Equipment, and Lab Tests while an inpatient
- Recovery Room and Operating Room Services
- Some blood transfusions
- Inpatient or Outpatient rehabilitation services after a qualified inpatient stay
- Part-time, skilled care for the homebound
- Hospice Care for the terminally ill, including some medications
What isn’t covered by Part A
- Personal expenses while hospitalized
- Custodial care
- Long-term Care
- Most care outside of the United States
- Days spent in a psychiatric hospital beyond certain set limits
- Hospital days beyond certain set limits per benefit period
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What Does Medicare Part A Cost?
Medicare Part A does not have a monthly premium in most cases. If you or your spouse have worked 40 quarters in the United States, you have paid in to “the system” through payroll taxes. Therefore, you’ll receive Medicare Part A at no premium once you reach age 65.
The people who get Medicare Part A at no premium include those who are already receiving Social Security benefits, those who are eligible to receive Social Security but have yet to file, and those who have had Medicare-covered government employment.
Most people, of course, get premium-free Part A. However, if you or your spouse did not work enough quarters and pay enough in payroll taxes to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, you can still purchase Part A if you choose to do so. Costs are high, though, at up to $458/month (for 2020).
How To Sign Up for Medicare Part A
If you are already receiving Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, effective the first day of the month you turn 65. In other words, if you turn 65 on July 30, Medicare will start on July 1. The exception to this is if your birthday falls on the 1st day of the month. In that case, your Medicare will start one month prior (i.e. if you turn 65 July 1, your Medicare will start June 1). You should receive your “Welcome to Medicare” mailing, with your red, white and blue Medicare card approximately 3 months before your Medicare start date.
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