You might be wondering, What Does Medicare Part A Cover? To answer that we need to understand what Medicare Part A is. Medicare Part A, also known as Hospital Insurance, provides coverage for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Understanding what Medicare Part A covers can help beneficiaries manage their healthcare needs and plan their medical expenses effectively. Here is a comprehensive overview of the services covered by Medicare Part A.
Inpatient Hospital Care
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care if you meet certain conditions. This includes:
- Semi-private rooms: Medicare Part A covers semi-private rooms (rooms with two to four beds).
- Meals: Medicare Part A covers meals provided during your hospital stay.
- General nursing: Nursing care provided as part of your inpatient stay.
- Medications: Medications received during an inpatient stay are covered.
- Other hospital services and supplies: Includes necessary services such as lab tests, X-rays, and surgeries.
Medicare Part A does not cover private-duty nursing, a television, or a phone in your room, unless these are necessary for your treatment.
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Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility (SNF) care if you meet specific conditions after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three days. Covered services include:
- Semi-private rooms
- Meals
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology services
- Medical social services
- Medications
- Medical supplies and equipment used in the facility
Medicare covers up to 100 days of SNF care per benefit period: the first 20 days are fully covered, and days 21-100 require a daily coinsurance payment.
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Hospice Care
Medicare Part A covers hospice care for beneficiaries who are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Covered services include:
- Doctor services
- Nursing care
- Medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers)
- Medical supplies (like bandages and catheters)
- Drugs for symptom control and pain relief
- Homemaker services
- Counseling
- Spiritual and grief counseling for the patient and their family
Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in a hospice facility, or in a nursing home.
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Home Health Care
Medicare Part A covers home health care services if you meet certain conditions, such as being homebound and needing skilled nursing care or therapy services. Covered services include:
- Part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology services
- Medical social services
- Part-time or intermittent home health aide services
Medicare does not cover full-time home health care or personal care services if those are the only services you need.
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Blood
Medicare Part A covers the cost of blood received during a covered stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. However, Medicare Part A only covers the first three pints of blood per year. After the first three pints, Medicare covers the cost of additional blood needed.
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Conclusion
Medicare Part A covers a wide range of essential services, including inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, home health care, and blood transfusions. Understanding these benefits can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and manage your medical expenses. For more detailed information about Medicare Part A coverage, visit Medicare.gov.
For personalized assistance in understanding your Medicare coverage and finding the right plan, you can give us a call at 833-739-1122. Our experts are available 6am-4pm PST every weekday to help you navigate your options.
