Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers all services that are related to inpatient care. Therefore, provided coverage under Part A includes:
Inpatient hospital care: This involves all care you receive after a physician admits you into a hospital. Medicare covers up to 90 days for each benefit period in a normal hospital. Additionally, you get 60 lifetime reserve days. Plus, it covers up to 190 lifetime days in a psychiatric hospital that is approved by Medicare.
Skilled nursing facility care: Medicare covers your room and board, and some services provided in a skilled nursing facility. These include tube feedings, wound care, and medications. Medicare covers up to 100 days of each benefit period. In order to qualify, you need to have spent at least three ensuing days in the hospital within 30 days of admission to a skilled nursing facility. Plus, you must have required skilled nursing or therapy services.
Home health care: While Part B typically covers this, Part A coverage will ensue if you have spent at least three successive days in the hospital within 14 days of receiving home care. Medicare covers up to 100 days of daily care or an unlimited amount of periodic care.
Hospice care: Medicare covers hospice care for as long as your provider deems it necessary. You may qualify for hospice care if you are terminally ill with a life expectancy of 6 months, want palliative care instead of hospital care, and refuse treatment in the hospital to cure illness.
Most people qualify for Part A free premium, but you are responsible for Part A hospital deductible which is 1600$ in 2023. When you met the deductible Medicare will provide coverage.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is a medical insurance that covers all services that are related to outpatient services and preventive care. Therefore beneficiaries will be covered under Part B for:
- Doctor-ordered x-rays and lab tests
- Provider services that are considered medically necessary
- Home health services like skilled nursing or therapy care
- Durable medical equipment that is appropriate for home use ( walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, nebulizers, etc.)
- Emergency transportation by ambulance
- Preventative services, like outpatient physical, speech, and occupational therapy
- Some prescription drugs, such as immunosuppressants and select anti-cancer drugs
- mental health care and services
The beneficiaries responsible for the Part B premium are 164.90$ in 2023, and the Part B deductible is 226$.