Medicare
Medicare Part A
Hospital insurance for inpatient care when you need it most
Medicare Part A, often called hospital insurance, helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, but it does not cover long-term custodial care.
In plain language
Once you become eligible for Medicare, Part A is one of the core pieces of your coverage. It generally helps pay for medically necessary inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, certain home health services, and hospice care.
Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes during their working years. If you did not pay Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters), you may still be able to purchase Part A coverage.
Who this may be for
- Anyone approaching or past age 65 who is preparing for hospital, skilled nursing or hospice coverage under Original Medicare.
- People under 65 with a qualifying disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who meet Part A eligibility rules.
- Those who worked (or whose spouse worked) long enough paying Medicare taxes to qualify for premium-free Part A.
What it generally covers
- Inpatient hospital care: coverage for a hospital stay for up to 90 days per benefit period, subject to a deductible per benefit period and coinsurance that may apply after 60 days.
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care: room, board and certain services in a skilled nursing facility for up to 100 days per benefit period, provided eligibility requirements are met, including a qualifying hospital stay of at least three consecutive days and a need for daily skilled care.
- Home health care: up to 100 days of home health care may be covered if you're discharged from a qualifying hospital or skilled nursing facility stay, begin care within 14 days, are homebound, and need skilled care; Medicare typically covers the full cost of approved services in this scenario, and Part B may cover ongoing care afterward or if these criteria aren't met.
- Hospice care: for individuals with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less as certified by a doctor, Part A covers hospice services.
Coverage, costs and availability vary by policy, carrier, eligibility and location. The details above are educational and are not a description of any specific plan.
Not sure whether medicare part a fits your situation?
Consultations are offered at no cost and without obligation. Submitting a form does not enroll you in coverage.
Important choices and considerations
Eligibility for Medicare Part A
- You may qualify for premium-free Part A if you are 65 or older and you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).
- You may also qualify if you are under 65 and have a qualifying disability or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
- If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you can generally purchase coverage; the premium amount depends on how long you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes.
Out-of-pocket costs to plan for
- The Part A deductible, which is set annually.
- Coinsurance for hospital stays beyond 60 days in a benefit period.
- Coinsurance for skilled nursing facility stays beyond 20 days.
- Other costs Part A does not cover, such as personal items, a private room by choice, or long-term custodial care.
Potential limitations and exclusions
- Part A does not cover long-term custodial care, such as help with daily living activities when skilled care isn't required.
- Part A generally does not pay 100% of inpatient costs; deductibles and coinsurance can still apply depending on length of stay.
- Home health and skilled nursing benefits require meeting specific qualifying criteria, such as a prior qualifying hospital stay.
How Bleu Sky's helps
- Help you understand your Medicare Part A eligibility and options.
- Review how Part A works alongside Part B, Part D and other coverage choices.
- Help you understand rules around avoiding late enrollment penalties.
- Help you find a plan that fits your health needs and budget.
What happens next
- 1
Tell us what you need
Share your situation in a short conversation. No sensitive information required.
- 2
Review your options
A licensed advisor walks you through the choices available to you in plain language.
- 3
Choose with confidence
Decide at your own pace. We stay available after you enroll.
Medicare Part A: common questions
Where we help
Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions is based in Tampa and works with individuals and families across the Tampa Bay area and Florida. We are also licensed in Georgia and New York. Availability, eligibility and coverages vary by state, and not all products are available in every state.
Already a client?
Policy service — billing, claims, policy changes and document requests — is handled separately from new coverage questions. Visit the Client Center or call (813) 360-1884.
Go to the Client CenterTalk it through with a licensed advisor
We listen first, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide at your own pace. Consultations are free and carry no obligation.
Prefer to talk now? Call (813) 360-1884. Consultations are free and carry no obligation.