Medicare Part A is the benefit category within the Medicare program covering hospitalization and related services. These services include surgery, home health care, and hospice care for beneficiaries who are in the end-of-life stage of illness. While also covering inpatient stays in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers, Part A does not cover long-term care. However, Part A does cover home health care under certain circumstances.
Along with Part B, Part A was one of the two original benefit categories in the Medicare program. Consequently, the combination of Medicare Parts A and B is sometimes referred to as “Original Medicare.” Medicare Part A is funded by the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund managed by the U.S. Treasury.
Most Americans do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A. However, if the Medicare beneficiary (or the beneficiary’s spouse) has not paid ten years of Medicare taxes, then the beneficiary may be charged a premium for Part A. The Part A premium may be as high as $505 a month. There is also a $1,632 deductible for Medicare Part A that can be paid multiple times per year. The Part A deductible resets when 60 days have passed without the beneficiary receiving any inpatient hospital care.
