Medicare Basics
MEDICARE PART A
Hospital Insurance
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) pay $0 premium for Part A.
What It Covers
- ✓ Inpatient hospital stays
- ✓ Skilled nursing facility care (after a qualifying hospital stay)
- ✓ Hospice care
- ✓ Home health care (limited)
- ✓ Inpatient care in a religious nonmedical health care institution
✕ What It Doesn't Cover
- ✕ Outpatient doctor visits
- ✕ Prescription drugs
- ✕ Dental, vision, or hearing care
- ✕ Long-term custodial care
- ✕ Private-duty nursing
💰 Cost Overview
Most people pay $0 for Part A if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If you do not qualify for premium-free Part A, you may pay up to $518/month in 2026. There is a $1,676 deductible per benefit period.
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