Last updated: October 8, 2026
Part A is the hospital insurance portion of Original Medicare.
It helps pay for qualifying inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and certain home health services. Original Medicare includes Parts A and B; Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, is separate insurance that can help pay some of your share of covered costs.
What does Part A cover?
- Inpatient hospital care: A semi-private room, meals, nursing, and other covered services during a medically necessary inpatient admission. Staying overnight for observation does not necessarily make you an inpatient.
- Skilled nursing facility care: Short-term skilled care when Medicare’s conditions are met. Original Medicare generally requires a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least 3 days in a row, not counting the day you leave the hospital; observation time does not count. Certain exceptions apply. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care alone.
- Hospice: Care focused on comfort and symptom management when you meet eligibility requirements and elect the hospice benefit.
- Home health services: Certain part-time or intermittent skilled services when you meet Medicare’s requirements.
Part A costs for 2027
2027 cost update: As of October 8, 2026, final 2027 Part A premiums, deductibles, and daily coinsurance amounts were not available in the official sources reviewed. Check Medicare’s latest costs and confirm the year shown.
In Original Medicare, the hospital deductible applies to each benefit period, not just once a year. A benefit period starts with an inpatient hospital or skilled nursing facility admission and ends after 60 consecutive days without inpatient hospital care or skilled care in a skilled nursing facility.
After the hospital deductible, days 1-60 have no daily hospital coinsurance. Daily charges apply for days 61-90 and for lifetime reserve days after day 90. You have 60 lifetime reserve days in total; after those are used, you pay all costs. For covered skilled nursing facility care, days 1-20 have no daily coinsurance, days 21-100 have daily coinsurance, and you pay all costs after day 100.
Who pays a Part A premium?
Most people qualify for premium-free Part A based on their own or a spouse’s Medicare-covered work, usually at least 40 quarters. People who must buy Part A pay a monthly premium based on their work history and generally must also enroll in Part B. Premium-free does not mean all care is free.
Who is eligible?
Medicare generally serves people age 65 and older, plus certain younger people with disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS. Citizenship, nationality, immigration status, work history, and other requirements also apply. The 2027 handbook describes updated status requirements on page 9; Social Security can confirm your eligibility.
When do you enroll?
Some people receive Medicare automatically through Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. Others must apply. For most people turning 65, the Initial Enrollment Period includes the three months before their birthday month, the birthday month, and the three months after. Check your enrollment status before turning 65. Delaying coverage can affect costs and eligibility for enrollment periods.
Read Medicare & You 2027, pages 9, 15-23, and 27-32. Contact our office for help understanding your Medicare coverage options.
Part B - The Medical Insurance Portion of Original Medicare
Medicare Part B beneficiaries receive coverage for medical expenses that are important for outpatient health care. Anyone eligible for Medicare Part A is qualified for Medicare Part B by enrolling and paying a standard monthly premium. Supposing a person is not eligible for Medicare Part A. In that case, a person can qualify for Medicare Part B when turning 65 if they are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident residing in the U.S. for at least five continuous years.
Coverages Include:
- Physician Services.
- Outpatient Surgery.
- Lab & X-ray Services.
- Ambulance Services.
- Some Preventive Services.
- Durable Medical Equipment.
The Costs Associated With Part B:
- Medicare Part B Monthly Premium – The Amount Changes Annually.
- Annual Deductible – The Amount Changes Annually.
- 20% Co-Insurance – The Covered Medical Expenses Medicare Does Not Pay.
- Any Late Penalty’s Incurred From Not Obtaining Part B Coverage When First Eligible.
A Partial List of Services Not Covered By Medicare:
- Preventative Care & Wellness Programs.
- Routine Hearing Exams & Hearing Aids.
- Routine Vision Exams & Corrective Lenses.
- Comprehensive Dental Coverage.
- Worldwide Emergency Assistance Outside The U.S.
Medicare Part B Enrollment:
Automatic enrollment in Part B Medicare insurance happens during the month of a person’s 65 birthday if they currently receive Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. If a person qualifies for Medicare insurance because of a disability before age 65, then enrollment is automatic for Medicare Part B when that person is considered Medicare eligible. Medicare Part B benefits start on the first day of the month during the month of turning 65. FYI – If a birthday falls on the first day of the month, the benefits will begin the first of the month, the month before turning 65.
If a person is not eligible for automatic enrollment and wants Medicare Part B when they turn 65, they must apply to get enrolled in Medicare Part B. If a person who is not eligible for automatic enrollment but wishes to continue with their employers’ group health plan, then they will qualify for a Special Election Period at their time of retirement. But, if a person does not enroll in Part B when they are first eligible for coverage and do not qualify for a Special Election Period from CMS. Then CMS will charge a lifetime late penalty to the monthly premium.
CMS Initial Enrollment Period – A Seven-Month Enrollment Timeline:
This Time Frame Includes:
- Three Months Before The Month Of A 65th Birthday.
- The Month Of A 65th Birthday.
- Three Months Following The Month Of A 65th Birthday.
Ways To Enroll In Medicare Part B:
- Create A My Social Security Account At: SSA.gov And Enroll Online.
- Call Social Security: 800-772-1213, Monday-Friday, 7 am To 7 pm EST.
- TTY Users Should Call 1-800-325-0778.
Assuming a person enrolls in Medicare Part B during the first three months of their Initial Enrollment Period, then benefits start on the first day of the month of turning 65. For people waiting to enroll in the month of their 65th birthday or the three months after their birthday. A significant coverage gap can and most likely will occur, depending on when the enrollment application is received and approved by CMS.