When it comes to Medicare, Part A is often the first thing people hear about—but also one of the most misunderstood. It’s labeled as “hospital insurance,” which sounds simple enough, but that label doesn’t tell the whole story. Part A is your foundation for inpatient care. It’s what helps cover the costs when you’re admitted to the hospital, recovering in a skilled nursing facility, or receiving hospice care. But it doesn’t cover everything and the gaps can catch you off guard if you don’t know what to expect.
In this blog, we’ll walk through exactly what Medicare Part A does and doesn’t cover, so you can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected bills when the need for care arises.
The Basics: What Is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is part of Original Medicare and helps pay for care you receive in a facility setting—primarily inpatient hospital care. In most cases, people who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years receive Part A at no monthly premium.
But coverage under Part A is specific. It only kicks in under certain conditions and covers specific types of care.
What Part A Covers
Here’s what you can expect Medicare Part A to help pay for:
- Inpatient Hospital Care
This includes services you receive when you’re formally admitted to a Medicare-approved hospital. Part A helps cover your room (usually semi-private), meals, general nursing care, medications administered during your stay, and other hospital services and supplies. - Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care
If you’re discharged from a hospital and need additional recovery time—say, after surgery, a stroke, or an injury—Part A can help cover a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility. This only applies if you meet strict eligibility requirements, including a minimum three-day inpatient hospital stay beforehand. Covered SNF services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and wound care—provided they’re deemed medically necessary. - Home Health Care (Under Specific Conditions)
In some cases, Part A may cover limited home health care services. This isn’t around-the-clock care, but it may include part-time skilled nursing, physical therapy, and other medically necessary services—usually following a hospital or SNF stay. - Hospice Care
If you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness and choose comfort care over curative treatment, Part A covers hospice services. This includes pain relief, symptom management, and support services—typically provided in the home or a hospice facility. - Inpatient Mental Health Care
Medicare Part A covers mental health services you receive in a psychiatric hospital or general hospital when you’re formally admitted as an inpatient. Note: There is a lifetime limit of 190 days for inpatient psychiatric hospital care.
What’s Not Covered by Part A
It’s equally important to understand what isn’t covered under Medicare Part A:
- Doctor services (even if they’re provided while you’re hospitalized)
- Outpatient care and procedures
- Emergency room visits (unless admitted)
- Long-term custodial care in a nursing home (help with activities of daily living)
- Most prescription drugs taken at home
- Dental, vision, hearing, and routine checkups
These types of services fall under Part B—or may not be covered by Original Medicare at all without additional coverage like a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan.
Why This Matters
Knowing exactly what Part A covers helps you plan ahead. It prepares you for what Medicare does—and doesn’t—help with during a hospital stay or after discharge. And it also sets the stage for exploring how to fill in the gaps with additional coverage.
In the next post, we’ll break down what Medicare Part A costs in 2025 and what those costs could mean if you’re admitted to the hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Coverage Starts with Clarity
Medicare can feel complex, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Whether you’re new to Medicare or reassessing your current coverage, having the right information today can make a big difference when it matters most.
Need help reviewing your options or understanding how Part A fits into the bigger picture? Give us a call at (800) 864‑8890 or schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.