Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)

What Medicare Part A Covers:

Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, hospice care, and some home health services. It's important to note that Part A coverage applies only if you're formally admitted as an inpatient; observation stays are covered under Part B.

You may qualify for Part A at no monthly cost if you’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If not, premiums may apply. Key facts for 2025:

• $1,736 deductible per benefit period
• Days 61–90: $434 daily hospital co-pay

• Days 91–150 (lifetime reserve days): $868 daily co-pay
• Skilled nursing care is fully covered for the first 20 days, then daily co-pays apply.

Premiums vary based on how long you’ve paid Medicare taxes:

40 quarters (10 years) or more: $0

30–39 quarters: $285/month

Fewer than 30 quarters: $518/month

Medicare Part A has no out-of-pocket maximum. Without additional coverage like Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan, extended hospital or skilled nursing stays can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.