Nov 20, 2025
and How It Works
Eligibility
Most people become eligible for Part A when they:
Turn age 65 and are eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits; or
Are under age 65 and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months; or
Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in certain situations. Medicare+2Medicare+2
Enrollment
Many people are automatically enrolled in Part A if they receive Social Security (or Railroad Retirement Board) benefits. Medicare
Others must sign up via the Social Security Administration (SSA). The page “Ready to sign up for Part A & Part B” walks through your situation. Medicare
Premiums & Costs
For most people who have paid Medicare taxes for 10 years (40 quarters), Part A comes with no monthly premium (often called “premium-free Part A”).
However, while the premium may be zero, there are deductibles and coinsurance amounts for stays in the hospital or skilled nursing facility. See the Medicare site for the most current dollar amounts. Medicare+1
Why Part A Matters for Long-Term Care / Senior Services
Given your role and interests in senior living, home care and hospice (as you’re involved with Canyon Home Care & Hospice and Red Rock Pharmacy), here are some especially relevant points:
If a resident or patient is admitted to a hospital and then qualifies for a skilled nursing facility stay, Part A is the payer for the initial days (subject to criteria).
Hospice providers often rely on Part A as the foundational coverage for hospice care benefits.
Home health services that are medically necessary and meet Part A requirements may reduce out-of-pocket burden for families.
Understanding what Part A covers (and doesn’t) helps in guiding patients/families about what costs they may face, and how to plan for supplemental coverage (like Part B, Part D, or Medigap) or Medicare Advantage.
Key Takeaways
Part A = Hospital Insurance: inpatient hospital + rehab + hospice + some home health.
Most people get Part A with no monthly premium if they’ve paid into Social Security/Medicare taxes.
There are costs: deductibles and coinsurance apply.
Enrollment is automatic in many cases, but some may need to proactively sign up via SSA.
For seniors, transitioning to skilled nursing or hospice care, knowing how Part A works is essential to care planning.
But: Part A alone doesn’t cover everything. Outpatient services, doctor visits, prescriptions (Part D) and long-term custodial care require other coverage or supplemental plans.
Resources & Where to Get More Information
Here are direct links to official government resources for deeper reading:
“What Part A Covers” on Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov/providers-services/original-medicare/part-a Medicare
“Parts of Medicare” overview on Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare Medicare
“Ready to Sign Up for Part A & Part B” on Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/ready-to-sign-up-for-part-a-part-b Medicare
SSA’s “Plan for Medicare” page: https://go.cms.gov/3dIABYE (redirect to SSA.gov) go.cms.gov