Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)

Hospital Coverage That Starts When You Need It Most

Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. It’s a foundational part of your Medicare benefits, and often one of the most misunderstood. At Chapman Insurance Group, I make it simple to understand what Part A covers, how it works, and how to avoid costly surprises.

What Medicare Part A Covers

Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, hospice care, and some home health services. It's important to note that Part A coverage applies only if you're formally admitted as an inpatient; observation stays are covered under Part B.


You may qualify for Part A at no monthly cost if you’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If not, premiums may apply. Key facts for 2025:


  • $1,676 deductible per benefit period
  • Daily hospital co-pays begin after 60 days
  • Skilled nursing care is fully covered for the first 20 days, then daily co-pays apply
  • Premiums vary based on how long you’ve paid Medicare taxes:
  • 40 quarters (10 years) or more: $0
  • 30–39 quarters: $285/month
  • Fewer than 30 quarters: $518/month


Medicare Part A has no out-of-pocket maximum. Without additional coverage like Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan, extended hospital or skilled nursing stays can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Who’s Eligible

Automatic Enrollment or Easy to Apply

If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A at age 65. If not, or if you don’t qualify based on your own work history, you may be eligible through a spouse—or you can apply manually through Social Security.

Premiums based on work history:


  • Premiums vary based on how long you’ve paid Medicare taxes:
  • 40 quarters (10 years) or more: $0
  • 30–39 quarters: $285/month
  • Fewer than 30 quarters: $518/month


Not sure what your premium should be? I’ll help you check your eligibility and make enrollment simple.

Client Services

Need a Medicare Form? Start Here.

If you’re enrolling in Medicare Part A and B without taking Social Security, applying for Extra Help, requesting an IRMAA adjustment, or submitting employer coverage info, you may need official forms to get started.

Medicare Part A is just one piece of your coverage. To fully protect your health and finances, you may also need:

A white background with a few lines on it

Part B for doctor visits and outpatient care

A white background with a few lines on it

Part D for prescription drug coverage

A white background with a few lines on it

A Medicare Supplement Plans to help pay what Parts A and B don’t

A white background with a few lines on it

Or a Medicare Advantage Plan that combines everything into one

Not sure what you need? I’ll help you see how it all connects—and what makes the most sense for your situation.

Reach out today
A man is giving a piece of paper to another man.

Ongoing Support at No Cost

We offer annual Medicare plan reviews at no cost during Open Enrollment. It’s how we help you save money, stay ahead of coverage changes, and feel confident in your plan. There’s never a cost for our service, but real support, year after year.

Start with a Conversation. We’ll Handle the Rest

Medicare doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Whether you're in Lenoir City or anywhere in Tennessee, I’m here to help you enroll, review your options, and make confident decisions about your care.


Get in touch today! I’d love to meet you and talk about how I can help.

Schedule a meeting