Medicare Part A is an important part of this federal health insurance program that you may need to consider enrolling in if you qualify. This portion of Medicare covers inpatient hospital care, nursing facility care, hospice care and home health care. These coverages are crucial to maintaining health and quickly treating serious ailments before they develop into dangerous health conditions.

Learning more about both Medicare Part A and B can help you to better understand what is covered under each part. Finding out more about these specific coverages can assist you in determining which parts of the insurance program you need to enroll in and if additional coverages or policies are needed to fill in coverage gaps. To find out more about Medicare Part A coverage and whether or not your current policy includes this portion of coverage, review the following information.

Learn About General Coverage Through Medicare Part A

When deciding whether you need this part of your potential health insurance plan, consider the Medicare Part A deductible in 2018 and compare it to what you are facing in your current year. You can observe if there is a consistent deductible increase and whether it seems to still be on the rise. By analyzing your potential deductible, you can more realistically calculate the possible out-of-pocket payments you may need to pay when you seek treatment.

The Medicare Part A deductible that you must pay before the coverage takes effect can vary, depending on the parts you decide you need and other eligibility criteria. No matter what your deductible is, keep in mind that this part of Medicare covers important treatments and services that can be expensive without financial assistance from this federal insurance program.

If you meet the Medicare Part A eligibility requirements and enroll to receive coverage, some of the most general services that are covered include the following:

• Hospital inpatient care
• Inpatient care at an approved nursing facility
• Hospice care
• In-home health care
• Inpatient care at a religious nonmedical health care institution

After completing your Medicate Part A enrollment, your health insurance card should denote the word “hospital” on the front. This indicates that you have hospital coverage and when you visit a hospital or seek additional covered care through home health care services or a hospice, you can pursue financial assistance.

Keep in mind, you may still be responsible for paying up to your deductible or additional copayments or coinsurance payments when seeking treatment. It is also important to note that Part A Medicare coverage does not include custodial care or long-term care.

To learn more about long-term care options through Medicare, download our comprehensive Medicare guide.

Understand The Differences Between Medicare Part A Coverage and Part B Coverage

When you consider the cost of Medicare Part A, it is also important to compare the coverages included in this type of insurance to the other parts available. There are certain coverages included in Part B that are not included in Part A and vice versa. To obtain a well-rounded Medicare policy, you should consider combining or bundling these different parts together so you can obtain financial assistance with more services and treatments as needed.

Medicare Part A benefits are considered hospital benefits because this is generally what they cover. In contrast, Part B is designed to cover outpatient procedures and doctor’s visits. This medical coverage is different than the coverage provided for inpatient hospital care and other facility health care.

If you think you may need both of these types of services, you should consider obtaining a plan that includes both Part A Medicare coverage and Part B. You may still be responsible for premiums, copayments or coinsurance and meeting your deductible before coverage will apply. However, these parts can still be financially helpful when seeking health treatments and services, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Learn About Specific Medicare Part A Benefits

The coverages provided through Medicare Part A may vary and can depend on several factors. The exact hospital and facility coverages are determined by federal and local government policies. Additionally, local coverage decisions are made by companies that enforce Medicare coverage. Before assuming a treatment or service is covered, it is important to review your specific policy and the facility you plan to use with a Medicare professional or medical professional. Generally, Medicare Part A coverage includes:

• Inpatient services.
• Facility care.
• Hospice care.
• Home health care.

Inpatient Services

You may be required to meet your Medicare Part A deductible before you can gain access to financial assistance for inpatient hospital care. For these inpatient services to be covered, you may also need to have been admitted to the hospital’s care after first seeing a medical professional who referred you to the hospital to treat your injury or illness. Additionally, the hospital where you seek treatment must accept Medicare for your coverage to apply to the services you are seeking.

Facility Care

Medicare Part A insurance coverage will only apply for nursing facility care if your stay is short-term and you are not admitted on a long-term basis. The treatment you obtain from this facility must be through skilled nursing staff and you must be admitted to obtain a qualifying service. Additionally, your doctor or medical professional must have referred you to this nursing facility for your stay to be covered under Medicare.

Hospice Care

To use Medicare Part A coverage for hospice care, you must have first been diagnosed as terminally ill by a medical professional. Additionally, you must agree that you are seeking treatment as a means of comfort instead of for medical assistance. For covered hospice care, you must also sign a statement that concludes you want to seek this type of treatment as opposed to other medical treatments that may be covered by Medicare.

Home Health Care

The combination of Medicare Part A and B can help you when covering certain home health care services. Part-time in-home nursing care may be covered by these parts. However, keep in mind that long-term care or 24-hour care is not usually covered by Medicare. Also, personal care is not covered and the in-home care you receive must be medically related to your condition, injury or disease.

In-home occupational and physical therapy are generally covered by Medicare Part A or Part B, as well as certain speech pathology services that are performed in the home. Additional medical services and home health aide services are also generally covered. However, it is important to speak with a Medicaid professional before assuming you will receive financial assistance for these services.

Interested in learning more about the benefits provided by Medicare Part A or B? If so, download our free Medicare guide, here.