Medicare Part A is offered by the federal government and overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services. Part A covers care from hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long term care), hospice care, and some home health care related services.
Who can get Medicare Part A?
If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent, legal resident of the United States, and you are (or are turning) 65 years old, you are eligible for Medicare Part A. Additionally, people under the age of 65 with certain disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease are entitled to receive Medicare Part A.
When and how can I sign up for Medicare Part A?
Most people will get Medicare Part A automatically during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). If you are automatically enrolled, you will receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday (or the 25th month of your disability). Some people will need to sign up for Medicare Part A if you are not collecting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
f you did not sign up for Medicare Part A when you were first eligible, and you do not have a special circumstance to enroll midstream, you will need to sign up during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which is January 1st- March 31st of each year. If you enroll during GEP, your Part A coverage will begin the month after you enroll during the GEP.
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What does Medicare Part A cost?
For many of those living in New York City, Medicare Part A is free, provided that you or your spouse has paid Medicare taxes while employed. If you or your spouse are not entitled to “premium-free” Part A, you still may be able to purchase it.
Medicare Part A coverage includes
Medicare Part A does not cover
Inpatient care in hospitals
Hospitalization Deductibles & Copayments:
Hospice care
For the first 60 days under hospitalization service the individual will have a $1,676 deductible
Skilled nursing facility care
For days 61-90 days under hospitalization service, Medicare pays all but $419 per day of each benefit period
Home health services and nursing home care may also be covered (if deemed medically necessary)
For days 91 and beyond under hospitalization service, Medicare pays all but $838 per day of each benefit period
Blood transfusions are also covered (after the individual has paid for the first 3 pints of blood)
Skilled Nursing Care Deductibles & Copayments:
Medicare pays all approved amounts for the first 20 days
For days 21-100, Medicare pays all but $209.50 per day
For days 101 and beyond, Medicare pays $0 (You pay all costs)
Additional Benefits:
The cost of the first 3 pints of blood required during a blood transfusion
Most dental care
Eye examinations related to prescribing glasses
Dentures
Cosmetic Surgery
Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
Routine foot care
These limitations can, however, be covered by purchasing a Medicare Supplemental Plan.
If you have questions in regards to Medicare Plan A, or are interested in additional information about Supplemental plan options please contact one of our experts in Medicare at PlanMedicare.com
