Medicare Part A
Every Medicare beneficiary will begin their Medicare journey with “Original Medicare” when they are turning 65 or become eligible. Original Medicare comprises of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A is responsible for hospital visit coverage. Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A when they become eligible for Medicare.
Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B, both of which are required to enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Supplements.
Medicare Part A Coverage
Part A covers hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, nursing home care, hospice, and home health services. In most cases, a doctor, pharmacist, or specialist will have to prescribe a certain treatment or service and provide proof that it is medically necessary before Medicare will cover it.
Inpatient hospital and skilled facility coverage with Part A includes semi-private rooms, meals, nurse and doctor services, and in-hospital drugs. If it is medically necessary, Part A can also cover home care, nursing home and hospice services for a limited time.
Part A does NOT cover non-medically necessary amenities like completely private hospital rooms, private nurses, and personal care items that hospitals may provide (shower supplies, TV, etc.).
Medicare Part A Costs
Medicare Part A will not cost anything if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 40 working quarters while working or if you are eligible for retirement benefits from either Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
If you do not qualify for premium-free Part A, you’ll pay a premium that is determined by Medicare on the numbers of working years .
If you do not enroll when you become eligible, you will face up to a 10% premium increase for enrolling late.
Medicare Part A Enrollment
If you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will be automatically enrolled on the first day of the month that you turn 65. You will receive a red, white, and blue Medicare card about three months before.
If you do not receive Railroad or Social Security benefits, you will need to enroll in Medicare Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. If you miss this period, not only will you be charged a late enrollment penalty fee, but you won’t be able to enroll until the general enrollment period from January 1 through March 31.
Some people may qualify for an SEP, or Special Enrollment Period. If you move to a new service area, lose employer or union coverage, or have some other life-changing event, you may qualify to enroll or change plans during any time of the year.
How To Enroll in Medicare
To get started on your enrollment process, give us a call! We can answer your questions and help you sort through your options.
Set up a free appointment with one of our licensed and experienced agents in your area by calling 520-760-6223.
Request an Appointment with a Local Agent.
