Medicare Part A - Hospital

In General, Medicare Part A Covers:

1. Inpatient Hospital Care

When you are formally admitted to a hospital by a physician, inpatient hospital care begins. Medicare Part A covers various services such as a semi-private room, meals, general nursing services, rehabilitation services, medications, medical supplies, lab tests, imaging tests, and use of the operating room.

Medicare Part A does not cover private-duty nursing, private rooms (unless medically necessary), television, phones (if separately charged), or personal care items like razors or slipper socks.

2. Skilled Nursing Facility

Skilled nursing care is delivered by registered nurses under a doctor's supervision in a medical setting, similar to the care provided in hospitals. After a minimum three-day hospital stay, you can transfer to a skilled nursing facility to continue recovery from an illness, injury, or surgery. These facilities offer not only skilled nursing care but also rehabilitative services from licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists. The goal is to recuperate sufficiently to return home, with Medicare covering up to 100 days of care.

3. Hospice Care

Hospice care is provided when your regular doctor certifies that you are terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less, and you choose comfort care (palliative care) over curative treatment. You must sign a statement opting for hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions. Medicare-certified hospice care can be received in your home or another facility where you reside, such as a nursing home.

4. Home Health Care

Medicare covers a variety of health and social services delivered at home to treat an illness or injury. Covered services include intermittent skilled nursing care, therapy, and care from a home health aide. Depending on the situation, these services may be covered under Medicare Part A or Part B.

Medicare's home health care benefit does not include continuous assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, cooking, shopping, and cleaning.