What is medicare part A?

People who are US citizens, 65+, or who are permanently disabled receive what is called Medicare Part A.

In order to receive medicare part A, one is to fulfill one of the following requirements:

work for it

pay for it

be married to someone who has either worked or payed for it.

Because medicare is divided into various parts, not all people get the same. The ones who get medicare Part A, normally go about obtaining it without extra fees. It typically covers certain types of hospitalization, food and room – minus doctor's care, services or ambulance care (which are covered by Medicare B instead).

Medicare Part A is sometimes criticized for not providing a full year of nursing, which is why some people find it necessary to purchase additional medical plans.

However, despite criticism, Medicare Part A targets a sufficient demographic which meets certain requirements.

So who may benefit?

Citizens who may gain Medicare Part A are:

seniors, that is to say, those above 65

those bellow that age limit, with certain disabilities

citizens with End-Stage Renal Disease

How much does it cost?

That all depends on the persons circumstances. A person whose spouse is already a Medicare A customer, there are certain discounts. However, a person not qualified to obtain it for free must pay about 433USD as a monthly fee.

Enrollment

If the person receives the benefits of Social Security, enrollment will be free of charge and automatic the first day of the month the person turns 65. A medicare card will be sent via snail mail three months ahead. Otherwise, signing up for participation will be needed even if the person has the right to the service for free.

Aside from regular channels, medicare may also be obtained by means of purchasing it.

Coverage

Bluntly put, this is what Medicare Part A covers:

the cost of blood transfusion

necessary part-time nursing or physical therapy; speech, language or occupational therapy

hospice care for persons with a life expectancy of six months or less

hospital stay in a semi-private room

up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility.

There is also a number of services that are not covered by Medicare A. As needs to be made clear, as well, here's the complete list:

acupuncture

cosmetic surgery

custodial care

most types of dental care

routine eye exams

routine foot care

hearing aids/exams

long-term care

routine and annual physical exams

most of the prescription drugs

syringes or insulin

and, naturally, travel.