Medicare Part A - Hospital
Many Americans automatically receive Medicare Part A because they paid Medicare taxes while working. This also entitles them to a "premium-free" Part A.
Medicare Part A Covers:
- Inpatient care in hospitals (including long-term hospitals and rehabilitation facilities)
- Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (does not include custodial care)
- Hospice care services
- Home health care services
- Inpatient care in a Religious Non-medical Health Care Institution
Medicare Part A does not cover the total costs of your medical services and supplies. It does cover many medically necessary services, though, including:
- Blood Transfusions: Medicare Part A pays for the first 3 pints of blood during a covered stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
- Hospital Stays: Medicare Part A covers stays of at least 72 hours in a semi-private room with meals, nursing, and supplies. It also covers inpatient care in critical access hospitals, and up to 190 hours (lifetime maximum) of mental health care.
- Home Health Services: Medicare Part A covers certain home-use medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, and oxygen, along with other medical supplies.
- Medically necessary skilled nursing care as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, home health aides, and medical social services.
- Hospice Care: Medicare Part A coverage includes drugs for pain relief and symptom control, medical and support services, and grief counseling. Medicare may also provide care for a Hospice patient should the usual caregiver require rest.
