Medicare Part A

Summary:

  • Medicare Part A is part of "Original Medicare" which is made up of two parts: Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
  • Medicare Part A is often called "Hospital Insurance".
  • Part A and Part B combine to cover medical and hospital insurance for individuals 65 years of age and older.

What is Medicare Part A?

One part of Original Medicare is Medicare Part A – or hospital coverage. Most people do not pay for Part A, and most Americans are signed up for Part A. You enroll with the Social Security office and can choose to add additional coverages at the same time, or at a later date.

What does Medicare Part A Cover?

It helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care for short-term rehabilitation, hospice care, and home health care.

What are some examples of things covered?

Medicare Part A will cover things such as your hospital room charges, lab tests, and surgery.

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What do I do if I'm unsure Medcare Part A will cover what I need?

If you have any questions about coverage, contact a Retirement Health Planners Independent Sales Representative. They will go over everything with you and advise you on which products are best for you and your family.

What does it cost?

The premium for Medicare Part A for most people is $0. It can vary based on income history. The deductible for 2022 is $1,556.  There may be costs associated with inpatient stays (co-pays).  You can read more about the costs of Medicare Part A on our Costs page.

Who is eligible for Medicare Part A?

  • For most Americans, Medicare is available at age 65. More specifically you have three months before your birthday month and three months after your birthday month to enroll. If your birthday is in September you have June to December to enroll.
  • You may also be eligible for Medicare before the age of 65 if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (Lou Gherig’s Disease).
  • If you have received disability benefits for more than 24 consecutive months from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you are also eligible.
  • You must be an American citizen or have resided in the U.S. for five+ years legally in order to enroll.

How do I enroll in Medicare Part A?

  • Apply online (at Social Security) – You’ll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for Social Security benefits online. This is the fastest and easiest way to sign up.
  • Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
  • Contact your local Social Security office.
  • If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.

*NOTE: If you do not meet the criteria for Part A without having to pay a premium, you may be able to buy Part A. To buy Part A, you also have to sign up for Part B.

Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance.  A licensed agent/producer may contact you.  Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease.  MasterCare LLC and Insuractive LLC are licensed and certified representatives of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations they represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans they represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.  For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov

Recommended Reading

Original Medicare

Original Medicare is made up of two parts: Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B is the portion of Original Medicare that is often times referred to as "Medical Insurance".

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement insurance (also known as Medigap) is helps supplement some of the healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B).