Medicare Part A
Medicare coverage is available to help people age 65 and older afford health care services. Medicare benefits can also be acquired by individuals who have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Original Medicare is the standard Medicare plan and consists of two separate parts:
Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A provides coverage for hospital costs, while Part B is dedicated to medical costs.
Medicare Part A Eligibility and Costs
You are eligible for Medicare Part A if you are age 65 or older or have been diagnosed with qualifying disabilities. Many individuals are eligible for Part A coverage with no premium costs. You qualify for premium-free Part A coverage if:
- You already receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board
- You are eligible for retirement benefits but have not yet filed to receive them
- You or your spouse worked for a Medicare-covered government employer
If you are not eligible for premium-free Part A coverage, you may be able to purchase a policy. The premium costs for Part A plans vary based on how many quarters you have paid Medicare taxes.
With Medicare Part A, you may also be required to pay copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. The amount you pay varies based on how much you have paid so far, and the type of service received. Consult an expert to determine exactly how much you will be required to pay for Medicare Part A coverage.
What Does Part A Cover?
Medicare Part A allows recipients to receive affordable coverage for the following services:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Care in a skilled nursing facility
- Care in a nursing home
- Hospice care
- Home health care
What Is Not Covered Under Medicare Part A?
Medicare may offer extensive coverage, but it does not cover all health care services. You will need to look outside of Original Medicare coverage to receive the following benefits:
- Custodial care
- Most dental care
- Dentures
- Cosmetic surgery
- Acupuncture
- Routine foot care
Medicare Part A Enrollment
When you first become eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month enrollment period that allows you to sign up for Part A and Part B benefits easily. This period, called the Initial Enrollment Period, begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after your birth month. It includes the month you turn 65, making for a total of 7 months.
If you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part A when you are first eligible, you may be subject to late enrollment penalties resulting in higher premium costs. If you meet certain conditions that allow you to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, you may be able to avoid late enrollment penalties.
Medicare Part A helps millions of citizens receive the health care services they need to thrive. If you have Medicare questions, Proinsurance Hawaii can help. Get in touch with us now to learn how we can help you enroll in Medicare Part A.
