Medicare Part A
Overview of Part A
Medicare Part A is the part of Original Medicare that focuses on inpatient coverage. It’s the part that people are automatically enrolled in when they enroll in Medicare. Specifically, it covers:
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled Nursing Facility Care
- Hospice Care
- Some Home Health Care
Part A is generally free provided that you meet the tax requirements. Specifically, you must have 40 credits, the equivalent of paying taxes for ten years (40 quarters). If you have less than 30 quarters of taxes, you are responsible for $458 per month in 2020. If you have more than 30 but less than 40 credits, you’ll pay $252 a month for Part A.
Learn more about coverage details below.
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Inpatient Hospital Stays
Medicare Part A inpatient coverage includes a shared room, meals, general nursing tasks, and medications administered in the hospital or mental health facility. It also includes blood units you receive, depending on how many units you receive.
Part A doesn’t cover certain inpatient services, like private-duty nursing or personal care items.
The exact details of coverage for an inpatient stay depend on the amount of time spent in the hospital. The annual deductible is $1408 with coinsurance for days 1-60 of each benefit period. For days 61-90 of an inpatient stay, the coinsurance is $352 per day. For day 91 and more, the patient pays a lifetime reserve day of $704.
Skilled Nursing Facility
Medicare Part A also covers Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) services. To qualify for this coverage, a doctor must document that you have SNF needs after a minimum of a 3-day hospital stay for a condition related to the SNF stay. SNF coverage under Part A includes shared rooms, meals, skilled nursing, rehabilitative services, and supplies.
The coverage details for SNF services depend on the amount of time spent at the SNF. Your stay at an SNF is at no cost to you during the first 20 days of your stay. However, the coinsurance costs are $176 per day for days 21-100. After 100 days, you will assume all costs.
Hospice Care
Hospice is a service for terminally ill patients who have a life expectancy of fewer than six months. Part A covers hospice care completely. However, you’re responsible for a 5% portion of the inpatient respite-care cost. Hospice services typically covered by Part A include symptom relief, comfort measures, pain medications, symptom management, nursing, and equipment.
Home Health Services
Home health services are covered by both Medicare Parts A and B. This coverage includes multiple healthcare specialists, like skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, in addition to durable medical equipment. It’s important to note that you’re responsible for 20% of durable medical equipment. However, the Part B deductible applies.
Your doctor must order this care and document that you are homebound due to your condition to receive coverage for home health services.
Summary
Medicare Part A is generally free and covers inpatient care and skilled needs. It covers four primary services: inpatient hospital stays, SNF care, hospice care, and home health services. Call us at Modern Senior Benefits to learn more about Part A today.
