What Does Medicare Part A Cover? 2026 Coverage & Eligibility

What is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A is health insurance specifically designed for hospital-related services and is provided by the federal government. Together with Medicare Part B (medical insurance), it makes up Original Medicare and helps cover your healthcare costs. Understanding Medicare Part A coverage is essential when planning your healthcare needs in retirement.

Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health services. If you want to learn about Medicare Part A costs, visit our guide on Medicare Part A costs.

Medicare Part A Eligibility

You are eligible for Medicare if you meet one of the following:

• You’re aged 65 or older
• You’re younger than 65 and meet Social Security disability eligibility requirements
• You’ve been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. For doctor’s visits, medical services, and supplies, see our guide on Medicare Part B. Medicare covers hospital-related services through Part A coverage when medically necessary and provided by Medicare-approved providers at certified facilities.

Part A includes coverage for:

• Hospital inpatient stays (up to 90 days per benefit period)
• Care in skilled nursing facilities
• Temporary nursing home stays
• Hospice care
• Home health care and home health aides

Agent tip:

Medicare Advantage plans, and other Medicare plans may have their own coverage guidelines, but they’re required to offer at least the same level of benefits as Part A.

When to Enroll in Medicare Part A

Depending on your circumstances, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A, or you may need to sign up on your own.

Instances When May Be Automatically Enrolled in Original Medicare

You’re typically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B automatically when:

• You’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits when you turn 65—coverage usually starts the first day of the month you turn 65
• You are younger than 65 and have an eligible disability—you’ll automatically receive Medicare Parts A & B after receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months
• You’ve been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Medicare Parts A and B coverage begins automatically when your disability benefits start (ESRD may have a brief waiting period)

Not Automatically Enrolled?

If you’re not automatically enrolled, you’re first eligible during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

• Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65
• Includes the month you turn 65
• Ends 3 months after your 65th birthday month

This gives you a 7-month window to enroll in Medicare.

If you miss your IEP:

• You can enroll in Medicare Part A (and/or B) during the General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1 – March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1. 
• You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you meet certain conditions, for example, losing employer coverage

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How to Enroll in Medicare Part A

Most people who qualify for Medicare are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. Many choose to have private insurance (such as employer-sponsored insurance) in addition to Part A until they retire and begin receiving Social Security benefits.

If you need to actively apply for Original Medicare (Parts A & B), you can enroll through the Social Security Administration in one of four ways. Choose the most convenient method for you:

1. Apply online at the Social Security Medicare Benefits website
2. Visit your local Social Security office
3. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in all U.S. time zones
4. Railroad employees should contact the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772

Need help? Connie Health can assist with your Original Medicare enrollment. Call (623) 223-8884 to speak with a local, licensed insurance agent in your community. We’ll help you enroll in coverage that fits your health needs and budget. 

Bottom Line

In 2026, Medicare Part A continues to provide hospital insurance for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and limited home health care. For help choosing additional coverage or understanding how Part A works with other Medicare options, a licensed insurance agent can guide you.

Need Help Deciding The Right Medicare Coverage For You?

• Free, unbiased service
• Compare all major plans and carriers
• Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?

Part A provides hospital insurance coverage for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health care services. Part B provides medical insurance coverage and helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, imaging, preventive services, and many medical supplies.

Is dialysis covered by Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A covers dialysis only when it’s provided during an inpatient hospital stay. Most dialysis services are covered under Medicare Part B.

Does Medicare Part A cover emergency room visits?

Medicare Part A does not cover emergency room (ER) visits unless you are formally admitted to the hospital as an inpatient. If you are treated in the ER and not admitted, the visit is covered under Medicare Part B, which includes outpatient services.

What is Part A Medicare coverage?

Part A Medicare coverage is hospital insurance that helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities, hospice services, and some home health care. Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Does Medicare Part A cover outpatient surgery?

No, Medicare Part A does not cover outpatient surgery. Part A only covers surgeries performed during an inpatient hospital admission. If you have outpatient surgery at a hospital or ambulatory surgical center, it’s covered under Medicare Part B instead.

Does Medicare Part A cover prescription drugs?

No, Medicare Part A does not include prescription drug coverage. Prescription drugs are covered through Medicare Part D plans or Medicare Advantage Plans that include drug coverage.

Does Medicare Part A cover durable medical equipment?

No, Medicare Part A does not cover durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, or oxygen equipment for home use. Durable medical equipment is covered under Medicare Part B when medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor.