Medicare Part A
Hospitalization and Inpatient Care
Medicare Part A helps cover the costs of hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and home health care.
In most cases, if Medicare taxes were deducted from your paycheck while you were employed, you may qualify for premium-free Part A.
Coverage under Medicare Part A typically begins automatically once you become eligible at age 65, or if you have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.
The Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, which finances Medicare Part A, is primarily supported through a 2.9% payroll tax — shared equally between employers and employees.
Since 2013, high-income earners (those making more than $200,000 annually for individuals or $250,000 for joint filers) are required to pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on income exceeding those thresholds.
What Medicare Part A Covers:
Skilled nursing facility care (short-term rehabilitation after hospitalization)
Hospice services for terminally ill patients
Inpatient hospital care
Limited home health care services
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24-hour home care
Personal care assistance (such as help with bathing, dressing, or preparing meals) if that is the only type of care you need
Meals or homemaker services (unless they are related to your medical treatment)
24-hour home care
Personal care assistance (such as help with bathing, dressing, or preparing meals) if that is the only type of care you need
Meals or homemaker services (unless they are related to your medical treatment)
What Medicare Part A Does Not Cover:
Medicare Part A does not cover the following expenses:
A private hospital room, unless it is medically necessary
Private-duty nursing services
Personal care items (such as toiletries)
Long-term custodial care
Extra charges like telephone or television services in your hospital room
The full cost of blood:
If the hospital obtains blood from a blood bank at no cost, you pay nothing.
If the hospital purchases blood, you are responsible for the first three units you receive each calendar year, unless you or someone else donates blood.
Additionally, Medicare Part A does not cover:
24-hour home care
Personal care assistance (such as help with bathing, dressing, or preparing meals) if that is the only type of care you need
Meals or homemaker services (unless they are related to your medical treatment)
Medicare Part A Costs and Coverage
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost?
If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes through employment for a required period, you likely qualify for premium-free Part A — meaning you don’t have to pay a monthly premium.
If you are not eligible for premium-free coverage, you can choose to purchase Part A.
In most cases, if you buy Part A, you must also enroll in Part B and pay monthly premiums for both.
If you decide not to buy Part A, you can still purchase Part B independently.
In 2025, the monthly premium for those who must buy Part A will be either $285 or $518, depending on work history.
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cover?
Hospitalization (Inpatient Care)
First 60 days: 100% covered after paying a $1,676 deductible
Days 61–90: $419 per day
Days 91 and beyond: $838 per day for each lifetime reserve day (up to 60 days over your lifetime)
After lifetime reserve days are used: You pay all costs
Skilled Nursing Facility Care (following a 3-day hospital stay)
First 20 days: 100% covered
Days 21–100: $209.50 per day
Day 101 and beyond: Not covered
Home Health Care
100% coverage for Medicare-approved skilled care and medical supplies
Does not cover long-term custodial care needs
For full details, visit: www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs
What Is the Part A Late Enrollment Penalty?
If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A and fail to enroll when you first become eligible, your monthly premium could increase by 10%.
You would pay the higher premium for twice the number of years you were eligible but didn’t enroll.
Example: If you delayed enrollment for 2 years, you’ll pay the 10% penalty for 4 years.
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