Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) provides coverage for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health care. Premium-free for most Americans who’ve worked 40+ quarters, but features a significant $1,736 deductible per benefit period that can be charged multiple times per year if hospital stays are separated by 60+ days.
Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance Complete Guide
How Part A Benefit Periods Work
Day 1: Hospital admission → Benefit period starts
Days 1-60: $1,736 deductible → $0 coinsurance
Days 61-90: $387/day coinsurance
Days 91-150: $774/day (60 lifetime reserve days)
After 150 days: You pay 100%
New benefit period: 60+ days without hospital/SNF care
Real Example: 12-day hospital stay + 20 days SNF = $1,736 deductible + $2,520 coinsurance = $4,256 total
2026 Key Costs:
- Premium: $0 (most) / $278–$506/month (fewer quarters worked)
- Deductible: $1,736 per benefit period
- Coinsurance: $387/day (days 61-90), $774/day (reserve days)
What Medicare Part A Covers (After Deductible)
- Inpatient Hospital: Semiprivate room, meals, nursing, drugs during stay
- Skilled Nursing Facility: Up to 100 days (after 3+ hospital days)
- Hospice Care: Pain management, respite care, outpatient drugs
- Home Health: Part-time skilled nursing/therapy (must be homebound)
Part A Does NOT Cover:
- Private rooms, luxury accommodations
- Long-term care
- Non-medical personal care items
- Outpatient services (Part B)
Don’t Wait – Learn How Medicare Part A Can Cover Your Hospital Stays Today.
Medicare Part A helps protect you from the financial burden of hospital stays and other critical care. It covers inpatient hospital visits, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and limited home health care. Most Americans who have worked 40 or more quarters qualify for premium-free coverage, making it an essential safety net. By understanding your benefits and eligibility, you can plan ahead, avoid unexpected costs, and ensure peace of mind for yourself and your family when medical needs arise.
MEDICARE DISCLAIMER: It’s possible that we do not offer every plan in your area. We represent a number of Medicare Advantage organizations throughout the country which offer products in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.