Medicare Part A is hospital insurance.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program meant to be used by senior citizens. It is possible for younger people to qualify for Medicare if they have certain disabilities, but this is not common. As of 2010, Medicare comes in four parts, designated by the letters A, B, C and D. Each part has its own characteristics and benefits. Part A, along with Part B, is often called original or traditional Medicare. It may be offered free of monthly premiums but the benefits are restricted.
In-Patient Hospital Care
Medicare Part A benefits primarily covers in-patient hospital services. These include meals, nursing care, medicine, supplies and semi-private rooms. Medicare Part A will not cover private-duty nurses and personal care needs such as socks or shaving razors, nor will it cover a private room unless the room is deemed medically necessary. Simply staying overnight in a hospital does not always count as being an in-patient, however. You are only an in-patient once a doctor formally admits you.
Home Health Care
Medicare Part A does provide benefits for some health services which can be completed while the patient is at home. The services must be medically necessary and ordered by a physician. They must also be provided by a home health agency approved by Medicare. Furthermore, you must be considered home-bound, where leaving the house is a major effort for you. Approved home health benefits include home health medical supplies, medical social services and the care of a part-time home health aide.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Medicare Part A does not pay for nursing home, custodial or long-term care but will provide benefits for care in skilled nursing facility. Skilled nursing facility care must be considered necessary by a doctor and follow a minimum of three days as an in-patient. Medicare Part A benefits for skilled nursing facility care include physical, speech and/or occupational therapy, meals, room and board. It also pays for nursing care, medications and therapeutic and diagnostic services.
Hospice Care
Hospice is care of terminally ill patients meant to provide comfort and pain-relief more than curative services. Hospice care is usually provided at home, unless a short stay in a hospital is medically necessary. Benefits for hospice care may be paid for by Medicare Part A if you meet certain conditions. You must not be expected to live more than six more months and you must receive your hospice services from an approved hospice company. Hospice benefits include home health services, nursing care, medical supplies and respite care for your caregivers.
Religious Non-Medical Institutional Health Care
Medicare does have benefits for people who qualify for skilled nursing care or hospital benefits but who don't want to use them because of their religious beliefs. Non-medical services such as room and board in a religious institution, bandages or walkers can be covered by Medicare Part A, as long as these things do not need to be ordered or prescribed by a doctor. Medicare Part A will not cover any religious services.
Tags: Medicare Part, Care Medicare, home health, nursing care, Care Medicare Part
