UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE: PART A

Welcome back to The LYFE Line, presented by LYFEAHEAD Insurance, your guide through the 'Y's of insurance. In the last piece, we began our exploration of Medicare with an overview of its different parts. Today, we will delve into the details of Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance.

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some types of home health care. Let's break these down:

Inpatient Hospital Stays

Part A coverage includes your room, meals, nursing services, and any other services and supplies that the hospital provides. It does not cover private-duty nursing, a television, or a phone in your room. You'll also have to pay a deductible for each benefit period.

Skilled Nursing Facility Care

Following a hospital stay of at least three days, Medicare Part A will cover a stay in a skilled nursing facility for needed daily skilled care like intravenous injections or physical therapy. Keep in mind that Medicare does not cover long-term or custodial care.

Hospice Care

If a doctor certifies that you're terminally ill and are expected to have six months or less to live, Medicare Part A can cover hospice care. It includes pain relief, symptom control, and support services.

Home Health Care

In certain situations, Part A will cover health care in your own home, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and part-time skilled nursing care. To be covered, you must be homebound and under the care of a doctor.

Generally, if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years), you won't have to pay a monthly premium for Part A, though there are some deductibles and co-insurance costs.

CONCLUSION

Medicare Part A can be a lifesaver for those needing hospital care or skilled nursing care after a hospital stay. However, it's important to remember that not everything is covered. That's where LYFEAHEAD Insurance comes in. We are here to help you understand the 'Y's of insurance, assisting you to make the best decisions for your healthcare future.



Next time on The LYFE Line, we will be discussing Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance. Stay tuned!