Get all the benefits you are entitled to receive at the lowest possible cost.
Updated January 2025
IN-PATIENT HOSPITAL CARE INCLUDES
Hospital Care
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care when:
- The hospital accepts Medicare.
- You have an official doctor’s order which says you need inpatient hospital care to treat your illness or injury.
- In certain cases, the Utilization Review Committee of the hospital approves your stay while you’re in the hospital.
Skilled Nursing Facility
Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing care on a short-term basis if you have days left in your benefit period and if you have qualifying hospital stay.
Home Health Services
To be eligible for home health services, you must be under the care of a doctor, and the doctor must certify that you are homebound.
Hospice Care
If you qualify, you and your family will work with the hospice team to set up a plan that meets your needs.
Nursing Home Care
Medicare Part A may cover care in a certified Skilled Nursing Facilty (SNF) if it is "medically necessary".
NOTE:
Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs.
It’s important to ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and whether Medicare will pay for them.
NOTE:
You are responsible for private-duty nursing, television, or phone charges in your room. You are also responsible for private room charges unless it's medically necessary.