Description of Medicare Part A

Medicare part A is a basic type of medical insurance that you receive as a benefit for being a U.S. citizen once you reach the age of 65. This type of insurance provides several basic coverages and it is provided free for most people who are eligible.

Enrollment

• Once you reach the age of 65, you are automatically eligible for Medicare part A in the U.S. Three months before you turn 65, you will receive a Medicare card in the mail. If you decide that you do not want to get this type of coverage and you would rather get a Medicare Advantage plan, you can opt out of coverage. If you are younger than 65 and you become disabled, you can also enroll in Medicare part A.

Hospital Coverage

• This type of insurance is known as hospital coverage because it covers the majority of expenses that you will have while in the hospital. This insurance covers inpatient hospital coverages if you have to be admitted for any reason. For example, if you have to have surgery, it will pay for majority of the expenses. This type of insurance covers 80 percent of the covered costs while you are in the hospital. You would then have to pay for the other 20 percent of costs up to a certain limit.

Other Facilities

• Even though this is known as hospital insurance, it covers costs from a variety of other facilities as well. For example, if you have to be admitted to a skilled nursing facility, Medicare part A will kick in and provide a certain amount of coverage. If you have to have hospice care, this type of coverage will also pay benefits. You can also get some benefits from Medicare part A if it is determined that you need home health coverage.

Covered Expenses

• While you are in the hospital or in a skilled nursing facility, a number of expenses could be covered by Medicare Part A. For example, your room and board, all meals and special diets and treatments will be covered while you are admitted. If you need anesthesia, chemotherapy or medical social services, this will also be covered with your Medicare part A insurance. Kidney dialysis and inpatient medical trials are also covered by this type of insurance coverage.