Medicare Basics for Caregivers

Frequently Asked Questions

2. What is Medicare Part A and what does it cover?

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that helps cover inpatient care in hospitals. Part A also helps cover skilled nursing facility care for a limited period of time, hospice care, and home health care, if you meet certain conditions. Most people don't have to pay a monthly fee, or premium, for Medicare Part A when they turn age 65 because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working. (Answer continues on next page.)