Medicare Part A Covered Services Explained

Medicare Part A covers hospital and facility-based care. It's automatic at 65 if you've paid Medicare taxes, but knowing what's covered (and what's not) prevents surprises.

What Part A covers

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays (up to 90 days per benefit period), skilled nursing facility stays (following a hospital stay), hospice, and home health services.

A 'benefit period' starts when you're admitted to the hospital and ends 60 days after you leave. Multiple hospital stays within one benefit period count as one admission for deductible purposes.

Hospital stay costs and limits

For your first 60 days in the hospital, you pay a deductible (2026: $1,556) and nothing more. Days 61–90 cost $389/day. Beyond 90 days in a benefit period, you have 60 'lifetime reserve days' you can use, each costing $778/day.

Once lifetime reserve days are gone, you pay all costs for any hospital stays beyond 90 days. These days don't renew — use them carefully.

Skilled nursing and home health

After a 3+ day hospital stay, Medicare covers skilled nursing facility (SNF) care for up to 100 days per benefit period. You pay nothing for days 1–20 and $194.50/day for days 21–100.

Home health services (nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy) are covered when you're homebound and need part-time skilled care. Generally no cost; equipment and supplies follow the Part B rules.

What Part A doesn't cover

Part A doesn't cover doctor visits, lab tests, imaging, or prescription drugs — those are covered separately by Part B and Part D. Custodial care (non-medical assistance) in a nursing home is not covered.

Dietary supplements, dental, vision, and hearing services are not covered by Part A.

Frequently asked questions

What's a 'benefit period'?

A benefit period starts when you're admitted to the hospital and ends 60 days after you're discharged. Multiple stays within one period count as one admission for deductible purposes.

Do I pay the hospital deductible every time I'm admitted?

No, only once per benefit period. If you're readmitted within 60 days of discharge, you don't pay another deductible.

What if I need a hospital stay longer than 90 days?

You have 60 lifetime reserve days (not renewable) that cover days beyond 90. After those are gone, you pay all hospital costs.

Am I automatically covered by Part A at 65?

Yes, if you've paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If not, you may be able to enroll and pay a premium.

General educational information only, not medical or legal advice. Part A coverage, deductibles, and benefit periods are set by CMS and can change. Verify your specific coverage with Medicare.

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