What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

What Part A Covers

• Inpatient hospital stays (semi-private room, meals, general nursing)

• Skilled nursing facility care (not custodial or long-term care)

• Hospice care services for terminally ill patients

• Home health care services (part-time or intermittent)

• Inpatient care in a religious non-medical health care institution

Eligibility Requirements

You're eligible for premium-free Part A if:

You're 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years

You're under 65 and have a disability

You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Costs (2026) + Monthly Premium

$0 for 40 or more work credits

$311 for 30-39 work credits

$565 for fewer than 30 work credits

For most people who paid Medicare taxes 40 work credits which you paid about 10 years of work in which you paid Medicare taxes

Hospital Deductible

For 2026, the Medicare Part A coinsurance rates for inpatient hospital stays are:

Days 1-60: $0 after paying your $1736 deductible.

Days 61-90: $434 per day.

Days 91-150: $868 per "lifetime reserve day"

Key Benefits

No Monthly Premium

Most people pay $0 monthly premium

Hospital Coverage

Covers inpatient hospital stays, beyond 150 days you are responsible for all costs.

Skilled Nursing

Coverage for skilled nursing facility care days 1-20. You pay $217 per day for days 21-100

Hospice Care

Comprehensive end-of-life care coverage. There is no deductible for hospice care, and $0 for most services.

Have Questions About Medicare Part A?

Our Medicare experts are here to help you understand your coverage options and find the right plan for your needs.