Medicare has several parts to consider when making your health care insurance choices.  One part of the Medicare program is called Part A.  Most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A because the individual or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.  Others would be able to buy Part A if they meet certain requirements. 

Part A is a type of hospital insurance provided by Medicare.  Hospital Insurance coverage includes inpatient care in hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and critical access hospitals.  Part A does not include long term or custodial care.  If you meet specific requirements, then you may also be eligible for hospice or home health care.  Medicare does not cover everything, nor does it cover the total cost for many of the covered services or medical supplies.  Coverage amounts are based on which Medicare plan you have.  Part A helps cover on the medically necessary services below:

• Blood Transfusions: This is blood work that you receive during a covered stay in a hospital, critical access hospital, or a skilled nursing facility
• Hospital Stays: Part A covers hospital stays, which includes a semi-private room, meals, general nursing, and miscellaneous hospital services and supplies.  Inpatient care in critical access hospitals and mental health care are covered as well.  Hospital stays must be at least 3 days.  The time begins on the first midnight after admission and does not include any hours on the discharge date. 
• Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facility stays must be related to diagnosis during a hospital stay.  A nursing home or skilled facility stay included a semi-private room, meals, and rehabilitative and skilled nursing services and care.  The coverage is limited to a maximum of 100days.  The first 20days are paid in full, and the remaining 80days will require a copayment.
• Home Health Services include limited reasonable and only medically necessary part time care and services such as skilled nursing care, physical or occupational therapy, home health aide service, speech language pathology, and medical social services.  It also includes certain home use medical equipment and other medical supplies.
• Hospice Care is for the terminally ill who have six months or less to live.  This coverage includes pain relief and symptom control drugs, medical and support services, grief counseling, and other services.  Medicare does not cover many of the services that are provided to patients who receive Hospice assistance.