What does Medicare Part A primarily cover?

Medicare Part A primarily covers hospital insurance, which includes inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. This coverage is essential for individuals who need to be admitted to a hospital or require significant medical care that necessitates an overnight stay. By focusing on hospital-related services, Part A ensures that beneficiaries have access to necessary inpatient health care without the burden of overwhelming costs.

While outpatient services and long-term care can be critical components of health care, they fall under different parts of Medicare or are not covered by Medicare at all. Prescription drugs, another vital aspect of health care, are generally covered under Medicare Part D. Understanding these distinctions aids in effectively navigating the Medicare program and ensuring beneficiaries receive the proper care and benefits they require.