What does Medicare Part A primarily cover?

Medicare Part A primarily covers hospitalization costs, providing essential coverage for both inpatient and related services. This includes expenses incurred during stays in accredited hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and limited home health services. The main objective of Part A is to ensure that beneficiaries have access to necessary hospital care without bearing the full financial burden, which can be substantial.

The focus of Part A on hospital-related services distinguishes it from other parts of Medicare. For example, doctors' services and outpatient care are primarily addressed by Medicare Part B, while preventive services are also predominantly linked to Part B coverage. Understanding this division helps clarify the specific roles of each part of Medicare and the associated benefits for beneficiaries.