What Does Medicare Part A Cover?
Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Below is a detailed breakdown of its coverage:
1. Inpatient Hospital Stays
Medicare Part A covers the costs associated with staying overnight in a hospital. This includes room and board, nursing services, and essential tests and treatments.
2. Skilled Nursing Facility Care
If you need rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay, Part A provides coverage for semi-private rooms, meals, skilled nursing care, and necessary therapy services.
3. Hospice Care
Medicare Part A covers hospice care for patients with terminal illnesses who choose to receive care at home or in a hospice facility. This includes services to manage pain and provide comfort.
4. Home Health Care
Part A also covers limited home health care services, including part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care and therapy, provided certain conditions are met, primarily following a hospitalization.
5. Additional Notes
It’s important to note that while Medicare Part A covers many essential services, it does come with certain deductibles and coinsurance costs. Always check current coverage details and requirements to ensure adequate care.