When learning about Medicare, it’s best to start with the basics — Parts A, B, C, and D. In this first part of our Medicare series, we’ll focus on With, also known as hospital insurance.
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A is one component of Original Medicare, administered by the federal government (alongside Part B). It helps cover inpatient at, skilled nursing facility care,home health services, and hospice care.
This coverage is especially important if you require extended medical support during a hospital stay or specialized care afterward.
What Does Medicare Part A Cover?
Medicare Part A provides a wide range of inpatient care benefits, including:
Semi-private hospital rooms
Daily hospital meals
Skilled nursing services
Intensive care unit (ICU) or other special unit care
Medications, medical supplies, and equipment used during your inpatient stay
Laboratory tests, x-rays, and diagnostic services
Operating and recovery room services
Blood transfusions (in hospital or skilled nursing facility)
Rehabilitation services such as physical therapy through home health care
Skilled home health services (if homebound and requiring part-time care)
Hospice care for terminal illness support
Does Medicare Part A Cost Anything?
For most people, Medicare Part A is premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).
If you don’t qualify for premium-free coverage, you may pay up to $505/month in 2025.
In addition to premiums, Medicare Part A includes deductibles and copayments for hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.
Medicare Part A Costs (2025)
| Service | Cost in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Part A deductible | $1,676 per benefit period |
| Hospital Stay | - Days 1–60: $0 after deductible - Days 61–90: $419/day copayment - Days 91+: $838/day copayment (up to 60 lifetime reserve days) |
| Skilled Nursing Facility | - Days 1–20: $0 - Days 21–100: $209.50/day copayment - Days 101+: Full cost |
| Hospice Care | - Up to $5 per prescription for pain/symptom relief - 5% of respite care cost - 20% of Medicare-approved cost for durable medical equipment used at home |