Medicare Part A

Hospital Insurance

Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance. It helps cover the major medical services you may need when you’re admitted to a facility for care. Most people get Part A premium‑free because they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough.

What Part A Helps Cover

Part A typically includes coverage for:

• Inpatient hospital care Rooms, meals, nursing care, and necessary hospital services

• Skilled nursing facility care Short‑term rehabilitation after a hospital stay (not long‑term custodial care)

• Home health care Certain medically necessary services provided at home

• Hospice care Comfort‑focused care for individuals with a terminal illness

Who Usually Gets Part A Automatically

• People turning 65 who already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits

• Individuals under 65 who have received disability benefits for a qualifying period

• People with End‑Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS may also qualify

Why Part A Matters

Part A helps protect you from the high costs of hospital stays and serious medical events. It forms the foundation of your Medicare coverage and works together with Part B to provide comprehensive health protection.