Medicare Part A Coverage

While Medicare Part A offers valuable coverage, there are certain services it does not cover, such as:

• Long-term care (like nursing home care for extended periods)
• Private-duty nursing
• Custodial care (help with everyday activities like dressing or bathing)
• Dental care, eye exams, and hearing aids

It’s essential to understand these exclusions to plan your healthcare coverage accordingly.

Medicare Part A is generally available to people who:

• Are 65 or older
• Are under 65 with a disability
• Have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
• Have Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)

If you’re eligible for Social Security benefits, you may automatically qualify for Medicare when you turn 65. However, there are specific enrollment periods you need to keep in mind.

For most people, Medicare Part A is premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working for at least 10 years (40 quarters). However, if you don’t meet this requirement, you may have to pay a monthly premium.

Other costs may include:

• Deductibles: You’ll pay a deductible for each benefit period.
• Coinsurance: After a set number of days in a hospital or SNF, you may pay daily coinsurance.

We can help you understand how these costs work and guide you through your options.

You can sign up for Medicare Part A in the following ways:

• Automatically if you’re receiving Social Security benefits.
• Online through the official Medicare website.
• By visiting or calling your local Social Security office.

Enrollment periods are crucial. You can enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period when you first become eligible, or during the General Enrollment Period if you missed the initial window.

While Medicare Part A focuses on inpatient care, Medicare Part B covers outpatient services, such as doctor’s visits, preventive services, and some medical equipment.

You can enroll in both Part A and Part B to get comprehensive coverage for both inpatient and outpatient care.

Navigating Medicare Part A and other parts of Medicare can be complex. At Sargent Insurance Agency, we offer personalized advice to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. Our goal is to ensure that you understand your options and receive the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

If you have questions about your existing Medicare Part A coverage, or if you're considering supplementing it with additional coverage, contact us today. We’re here to help you understand the next steps and guide you through any changes in your healthcare needs.