medicare part a
Original Medicare consists of two parts:
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health services
Part B includes medical services like doctor visits, preventive care, and outpatient services.
Both Parts A&B involve coinsurance, deductibles, and have no limit on out-of-pocket expenses. Original Medicare lacks coverage for prescriptions drugs, dental, vision, and hearing services, leaving individuals responsible for the costs associated with these essential aspects of healthcare.
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Note: Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. This is sometimes referred to as premium-free Part A. Beneficiaries typically pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage. The premium amount can vary based on income.
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Medicare Part A is one of four components of the federal government’s health insurance program for older adults and other eligible people. Medicare Parts A and B are also referred to as Original Medicare. Both parts involve coinsurance, deductibles, and have no limits on out-of-pocket expenses. Original Medicare does not provide coverage for prescriptions drugs, dental, vision, and hearing services.
Medicare Part A helps pay for bills related to:
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inpatient hospital stays and procedures
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inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility
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hospice care
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home health care
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occupational therapy (if homebound)
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doctor’s services, medication, and grief-counseling (for terminally ill patients)
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It covers expenses such as semi-private rooms at skilled nursing facilities as well as inpatient care, supplies, and drugs during a hospital stay. Physical and occupational therapy in your home if you are homebound is also covered.
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