Which part of Medicare is financed by FICA taxes?

Part A of Medicare is financed by Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes, which are payroll taxes collected to fund Social Security and Medicare programs. Employees and employers each contribute a percentage of earnings towards these taxes, specifically aimed at covering hospital insurance, which is provided under Part A of Medicare.

Part A benefits include inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. The funding mechanism through FICA taxes allows current workers to indirectly pay for the healthcare services accessed by older adults and people with disabilities, reinforcing the social insurance aspect of the program.

In contrast, Parts B, C, and D of Medicare are financed through different sources, including premiums paid by beneficiaries and general tax revenue, which is why they are not funded by FICA taxes. Understanding this financing structure is crucial for recognizing how each component of Medicare operates within the broader framework of healthcare finance in the United States.