What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Medicare Part A provides hospital coverage for things like inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, some home health care and end-of-life hospice care.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A when you turn 65. If you're not receiving Social Security benefits, you must actively enroll in Medicare Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and lasts for 7 months.

Learn more: At What Age Do You Qualify for Medicare?

Once enrolled in Part A, you can no longer contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) if you have one. We’ve provided a list of commonly used Part A services below.

Services Covered by Medicare Part A:

Inpatient hospital care

Covers medically necessary tests, treatments, and services provided when you’re admitted to a hospital.

Skilled nursing facility care

Covers room, board, and a variety of services such as medication administration, tube feedings, wound care, and physical therapy, but only after a qualifying hospital stay.

Limited home healthcare

Covers services like skilled nursing and therapy provided at home, but only if you're homebound and have recently been discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Hospice care

Provides coverage for palliative care and support when facing a terminal illness, focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than treatments.

Services NOT Covered by Medicare Part A:

Private rooms

Private rooms are not covered during your hospital stay unless it’s medically necessary.

Long-term care

Nursing homes and other long-term care needs will have to be paid for out of pocket, or by another insurance provider, if possible.

The first three pints of blood

You pay for the first three pints of blood, unless you or someone else donates blood to replace what you use.

All-In-One Coverage with Medicare Part C

As you can see, while Medicare Part A does provide coverage for many important hospital services, you still need additional coverage for things like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing and more.

Many seniors choose a Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage plan, to provide all-in-one coverage. With Medicare Advantage, you get all of the services under Original Medicare as well as additional services, typically at no extra cost to you.

KelseyCare Advantage vs. Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage plans like KelseyCare Advantage can provide the additional coverage you are looking for. Seniors should consider what their health needs are and if their health plan can fulfill those needs in the short and long term.

We encourage you to speak to one of our local representatives to discuss plan coverage options. Please call 713-442-5646.