Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance

What Is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A is the portion of Medicare that helps cover hospital-related costs. It’s often called hospital insurance and includes:

  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care (short-term)
  • Hospice care
  • Some home health care

For most people, Part A comes with no monthly premium because you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. Serving clients in Columbiana County, Mahoning County, and throughout Northeastern Ohio, we meet face-to-face to ensure you fully understand your benefits before enrolling.

Nurse in blue scrubs examines an elderly man's arm in a hospital room, near a bedside table with flowers.

Who Needs Medicare Part A?

Almost everyone eligible for Medicare should enroll in Part A. It provides essential protection against the high cost of hospital care. Nearly everyone eligible for Medicare will enroll in Part A, especially since most people qualify for it without a premium if they (or their spouse) have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.



You may need Part A if you:

  • Are age 65 or older and eligible for Medicare
  • Have certain disabilities and qualify before age 65
  • Want to avoid late enrollment penalties down the road

We’ll explain what these numbers mean for you and help compare options to cover gaps.

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How Much Does Part A Cost?

  • Premium

    Most people pay $0 per month (if they worked 40+ quarters and paid Medicare taxes).

  • Deductibles & Coinsurance

    You’ll pay a deductible when admitted to the hospital and coinsurance if your stay extends beyond certain limits.

  • Skilled Nursing Facility Care

    The first 20 days are typically covered in full; coinsurance applies after that.

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When Can You Enroll?

You’re first eligible to enroll in Part A when you turn 65 (your Initial Enrollment Period). If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’ll be enrolled automatically.



Other opportunities include:

  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

    October 15 – December 7

  • Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

    for specific situations (such as losing employer coverage)

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How Part A Fits Into Medicare

Part A is one of the four building blocks of Medicare:

  • Part A: Hospital Insurance
  • Part B: Medical Insurance
  • Part C: Medicare Advantage (bundled option with A & B, often D)
  • Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Most people combine Part A and Part B for Original Medicare, or choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) that includes Part A benefits.

Learn More About Medicare Advantage Plans

Why Choose Arcuri & Associates for Medicare Guidance?

01

Face-to-Face Education

We’ll meet with you personally and explain how Part A works in plain language.

02

Ongoing Support Before, During, and After Enrollment

We’re here to help you compare options, avoid penalties, and adjust your coverage as your needs change.

03

No consulting fees

Our guidance costs you nothing.

04

Mission-Driven

We exist to educate, guide, and support every client before, during, and long after enrollment.

05

Local + Licensed

Serving Northeastern Ohio, with licensing in OH, PA, WV, and FL.

Get Started with Confidence

Medicare Part A is the foundation of your healthcare coverage. Let Arcuri & Associates Assurance Agency walk you through the details and show you how it fits into your bigger Medicare picture.