What Part A covers
- Inpatient hospital stays (semi-private room, meals, general nursing).
- Skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay.
- Hospice care for those with terminal illnesses.
- Limited home health services, such as part-time skilled nursing or therapy.
Who's eligible — and who pays a premium
Most people qualify for premium-free Part A at 65 if they (or their spouse) paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you don't qualify on work history, you may still enroll by paying a monthly premium.
What you'll still pay
Part A 2026 cost snapshot
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium (most people) | $0 |
| Hospital deductible | $1,736 per benefit period |
| Days 1–60 in hospital | $0 coinsurance after deductible |
| Days 61–90 in hospital | $434/day |
| Lifetime reserve days (60 total) | $868/day |
Figures shown for reference. Confirm current amounts at medicare.gov.
A real-world example
If you're admitted to the hospital for a 5-day stay, Part A pays for the hospital costs after you meet the deductible. If you need follow-up care in a skilled nursing facility, Part A covers a portion of that too — but the amount you owe depends on the length of stay and any supplemental coverage.