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What does Medicare Part A cover?

Medicare Part A is often referred to as “Hospital Insurance.” As one half of “Original Medicare” (the other being Part B), it is designed to cover the costs associated with being a patient in a medical facility. For most Americans, Part A is “premium-free” because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working for at least 10 years.

 

As of 2026, understanding the specifics of Part A is crucial for managing your healthcare costs, as the program features specific “benefit periods” and out-of-pocket expenses that change annually.

1. Inpatient Hospital Care

The primary function of Part A is covering your care when you are formally admitted to a hospital by a doctor. This includes:

 

  • Semi-private rooms: Private rooms are generally only covered if medically necessary (e.g., for isolation).

  • Meals: Standard hospital nutrition during your stay.

  • Nursing services: General nursing care provided by the facility.

  • Drugs and supplies: Medications, dressings, and medical supplies used as part of your inpatient treatment.

What it costs in 2026:

You must pay a $1,736 deductible for each benefit period before Medicare begins to pay.

 

  • Days 1–60: $0 coinsurance after the deductible.

     

  • Days 61–90: $434 per day.

     

  • Days 91–150: $868 per “lifetime reserve day.”

     

2. Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care

If you require specialized nursing or rehabilitation (like physical therapy) following a hospital stay, Part A may cover a Skilled Nursing Facility. To qualify, you must generally have had a prior medically necessary inpatient hospital stay of at least three consecutive days.

 

Coverage includes:

  • A semi-private room and meals.

  • Skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services.

     

  • Medical social services and dietary counseling.

What it costs in 2026:

  • Days 1–20: $0 per day.

     

  • Days 21–100: $217 coinsurance per day.

     

  • Days 101+: You pay all costs.

3. Hospice Care

Hospice care is intended for people with a terminal illness who have a life expectancy of six months or less. The goal is comfort (palliative care) rather than cure. Part A covers:

  • Nursing care and medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers).

  • Pain management medications.

  • Grief counseling for the patient and family.

Costs: You usually pay $0, though there may be a small copayment (up to $5) for outpatient prescription drugs used for pain management.

4. Home Health Services

If you are homebound and require intermittent skilled nursing care or therapy, Part A provides coverage for home health services. This is strictly for medical needs and does not cover 24-hour care or meal delivery.

 

Coverage includes:

  • Intermittent skilled nursing care.

  • Physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy.

  • Medical social services.

Costs: $0 for covered services, though you may owe 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment (like a hospital bed).

What Part A Does Not Cover

It is a common misconception that Part A covers everything “in the building.” Note that it generally excludes:

  • Doctor services: Even while you are in the hospital, your doctor’s fees are typically covered by Part B, not Part A.

     

  • Long-term care: Custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom) in a nursing home is not covered if that is the only care you need.

  • Private-duty nursing: Specialized private nurses are not covered.

  • Personal items: Luxury items like a television or telephone in your hospital room (if charged separately).

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