Medicare PartA

Medicare is categorized into 4 parts - Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. This article highlights Part A - what it covers, eligibility criteria, and other necessary information you may need to know. Medicare Part A, along with Part B, constitutes Original Medicare, which takes care of the most basic medical expenses at the time of a medical crisis.

Let’s take a deep dive into Medicare and understand its vital parts, the eligibility criteria and any other information that can come in handy when deciding which plan is the best for you.

Exclusive Benefits

Coverage

Medicare Part A covers medical costs involved during inpatient care provided in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, hospice care for the terminally ill, and home health care expenses.
Eligibility
Let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria for Medicare Part A. You can enroll for Part A if you are either:
- 65 years of age or older.
- Terminally ill with a disease such as kidney failure.
- Younger than 65 years, but have certain disabilities.
Limitations
Medicare generally has certain limitations that must be taken into consideration. Here are the coverage restrictions that apply to Part A:
- Inpatient hospital care has a limit of 90 days total per benefit period.
- Inpatient mental care has a limit of 90 days total per benefit period.
- Skilled nursing care has a limit of 100 days total per benefit period.
Considerations
Following are two factors to consider regarding Part A coverage:
- Coverage offered under Part A can be used anywhere in the United States.
- Majority hospitals in the US participate in the Medicare service.

Costs Information

Premium

No insurance premium for Part A in case you and your spouse contributed to Social Security for atleast 10 years. Alternatively, the option to buy Medicare Part A is available.

Copay

May apply to specific services, such as extended stays in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Deductibles

You are required to first meet a Part A deductible before you can use Part A to cover your medical expenses.

Coinsurance

Part A offers coinsurance for

Inpatient hospital care lasting between 61 and 90 days total per benefit period.
Inpatient mental health care lasting between 61 and 90 days total per benefit period.
Skilled nursing care lasting between 21 and 100 days total per benefit period.