What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is part of Original Medicare and is sometimes referred to as "hospital insurance." We cover everything you need to know - from Medicare Part A 2023 costs, coverage, and eligibility.
The Four Parts of Medicare
Medicare consists of four basic parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Depending on your situation, you can get Medicare coverage through a combination of these parts. Our advisors can help determine the combination of these four parts that is right for you. Call us at 937.915.3563 or schedule a call.
What does Medicare Part A cover?
Medicare Part A covers hospital-related services, such as:
- Hospital stays
- Skilled nursing care
- Nursing home care
- Hospice
- Home health services
What does Medicare Part A cost?
You usually don't pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters). If someone doesn't qualify for Part A premium-free, the monthly Part A premium is $278 or $506 in 2023, depending on how long taxes have been paid.
Medicare Part A costs for 2023:
Information about costs for 2023 have just been announced. Read more here.
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$1,600 deductible for each benefit period
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Days 1-60: $0 coinsurance for each benefit period
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Day 61-90: $400 coinsurance per day of each benefit period
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Day 91 and beyond: $800 coinsurance per each "lifetime reserve day" after day 90 for each benefit period (up to 60 days over lifetime)
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$0 copay for skilled nursing care days 1-20
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$200 coinsurance per day for skilled nursing care days 21-100
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Beyond lifetime reserve days: all costs
Medicare Part A Eligibility
Individuals must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident for at least five consecutive years. You must also meet at least one of the following criteria for Medicare eligibility:
- Age 65 or older
- Are permanently disabled and have received disability benefits for at least two years
- Have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Original Medicare: Part A and Part B
Parts A and B are considered "Original Medicare." Medicare Part A covers inpatient care: hospitalizations, skilled nursing care, hospice, and home health care. The other part of Original Medicare is Medicare Part B, sometimes referred to as “medical insurance” and generally covers two types of medical services. First, it covers medically necessary health services and supplies, like outpatient doctor visits, tests, wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Second, Part B covers preventive services like screenings, annual wellness exams, etc.
How to Sign Up for Medicare Part A
If you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare, you can sign up for Part A and/or Part B via the online Medicare application, by calling Social Security at 800.772.1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. If you are coming off employer coverage, you will want to be sure your Medicare effective date lines up with the end of your other insurance coverage. Compare your employer coverage to Medicare here.
When to Apply for Medicare
Most people can apply for Medicare three months before their 65th birthday month. Signing up is different if someone has a disability or receives Social Security.
When you're first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. If you are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after you turn 65. We recommend contacting one of our expert advisors for Medicare advice approximately six months before you turn 65. Learn more about working past 65 and Medicare.
Working Past Age 65 and Medicare Enrollment
Retirement is not a requirement for enjoying the benefits of Medicare. Many individuals aged 65 and older are delaying retirement and staying in the workforce. If you’re working past age 65, you can sign up for Medicare regardless of your current employment status. Compare your employer coverage to Medicare here.
We make it easy to enroll in Medicare without retiring. Our advisors provide personalized guidance to help you choose the health plan that is right for you.
Questions? Your local partner in Medicare has answers.
If you have questions about your plan options or deferring Medicare Part A, contact our team of advisors in Dayton and Cincinnati.
Email us at advice@retiremed.com, call us at 937.915.3563, or schedule an appointment to speak with an advisor.
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