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Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is your hospital coverage. Itâs free for most people. But, if your work history doesnât include paying Medicare taxes, you may have to pay a hefty premium for it. Below weâll discuss Part A. Youâll learn about eligibility, coverage, and enrollment. Then, we give insight into common questions about Part A.
What is Medicare Part A?
Part A covers inpatient hospital care. Under certain conditions, short-term post-hospital home health care, and skilled nursing services also have coverage.
Most people will have premium-free Part A. But, some people will need to pay a premium.
Buying Part A could cost up to $471 a month for those with less than creditable 30 work quarters.
Those with over 30 work quarters pay a reduced amount of $259 a month for Part A.
What Does Medicare Part A Cover?
Part A covers inpatient services, and most of the care you get during a stay in the hospital.
What is covered under Medicare Part A:
- Hospital meals
- Semi-private room
- Special care units
- Drugs, supplies, and equipment
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Operating room and recovery room
- Rehabilitation services during your stay
- Some blood transfusions
- Hospice care
- Skilled Nursing care on a part-time basis
Part A wonât cover a private room, private nursing, personal care items, or a television. After the deductible, Medicare pays the first 60 days of your benefit period in full. For days 61-90, you must pay a daily $371 hospital coinsurance. Then, Medicare will cover up to 60 extra lifetime reserve days. For days 91 and beyond, the coinsurance is $742 per day. After 60 days over your lifetime benefit, ALL costs are your responsibility. To start a new benefit period, you must stay out of the hospital for at least 60 consecutive days. Further, beginning another benefit period means paying the Part A deductible again.
Who Qualifies for Medicare Part A?
Part A is available to citizens and legal immigrants with at least five years of residency. Most U.S citizens are eligible for Part A upon turning 65. If you can get Part A, you qualify for Part B. Many people have Medicare due to disability. Youâre eligible for premium-free Part A after two years of disability benefits. Also, if you or your spouse has Medicare-covered government employment, you get premium-free Part A.
Those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis donât wait two years; benefits begin immediately and automatically. Those with End-Stage Renal Disease can apply upon diagnosis, but Medicare enrollment isnât automatic.
Do I have to Pay for Medicare Part A?
Sometimes Part A costs money. If you donât pay your Medicare taxes for ten years or 40 work quarters, youâll have a premium. Letâs go over, who pays the Part A premium and how much itâll cost. Ten years is about 40 work quarters. Paying in for at least 7.5 years can count for something. Thirty work quarters are 7.5 years; if you pay Medicare taxes for that, your premium is $259 each month. Those with less than 7.5 years of contributing to Medicare taxes have a premium of $471 monthly. Then, of course, those that work at least ten years get premium-free Part A benefits.
We've got answers
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is the Part A deductible an annual deductible?
No, the deductible is per
benefit period. Your benefit
period starts once youâre
admitted into the hospital.
Once youâre discharged, the
benefit period will extend
for another 60 days. When
the benefit period has
ended, you could end up
paying the deductible again
if youâre admitted back into
the hospital.
2.When should I sign up for Medicare Part A?
You should sign up for Part
A benefits three months
before you turn 65. Even if
youâre working past
retirement, Part A is still
premium-free. Plus, if the
deductible is less than your
group insurance deductible,
youâll only have to pay Part
A if inpatient in the
hospital. Of course, it
depends on if youâre
employer is large or small.
When you work with a small
employer, you may HAVE to
get both Part A and Part B
as soon as youâre Medicare
eligible. Itâs best to talk
to the benefits
administrator at your place
of employment to figure out
your options.
3.Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when you turn 65?
If youâre collecting Social
Security benefits, youâll
automatically be enrolled
around the month prior to
your birthday. If youâre not
collecting your Social
Security benefits yet,
youâll need to call the
Social Security office to
enroll.
4.How do I sign up for Medicare Part A only?
You can contact Social
Security or apply online.
Please note, you canât apply
for Part B only online, you
have to go to your local
Social Security office.
5.Do I have to sign up for Medicare Part A if I am still working?
No! But since itâs most
likely to be premium free,
it doesnât hurt to do so!
6.Is there a penalty for not enrolling in Medicare Part A at age 65?
Yes, if you donât have
creditable coverage you can
be penalized for not
enrolling in Part A when you
first eligible.
How to Get Help With Medicare Part A
Are you confused about inpatient vs. outpatient? Do you find choosing a policy difficult? We understand! Working with clients like you each day, we know how confusing Medicare seems. Our agents can help simplify the information and show you the best options. We can even walk you through the application process over the phone. An agent will ask you a few questions about doctors, prescriptions, and insurance preferences. Then, your agent will discuss the best plan options for you available in your service area. There are many plans and companies, don't waste time calling each one individually. Don't navigate the Medicare maze alone, give us a call at the number above, and see why so many people trust an agent with their healthcare. Can't call now? Fill out our online rate comparison form and get one step closer to the best coverage for you!