Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It helps cover qualifying inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Coverage rules and benefit periods matter, so admission status and medical necessity can affect what Medicare pays.
2026 Medicare Part A costs
- The inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period.
- Hospital coinsurance is $0 for days 1–60, $434 per day for days 61–90, and $868 per lifetime reserve day after day 90, subject to Medicare rules.
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance is $0 for days 1–20 and $217 per day for days 21–100 after a qualifying stay and while coverage requirements are met.
Part A premiums
Most people do not pay a monthly Part A premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough. In 2026, people who must buy Part A generally pay $311 or $565 per month, depending on their work history and eligibility.
Important questions to ask
- Am I admitted as an inpatient or being kept under observation?
- Does this skilled nursing stay meet Medicare's qualifying requirements?
- Would supplemental coverage help with my Original Medicare cost sharing?