Medicare Part A

2026 hospital deductible and covered services explained. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP.

📞 Call 1-800-633-4427 — FreeAmerica's Trusted Toll-Free Number

Elderly couple smiling and embracing in lush outdoor setting, capturing love and friendship, illustrating Medicare Part A — 1-800-MEDIGAP, America's Trusted Toll-Free Number. — Photo: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels

Quick answer

Medicare Part A is the hospital portion of Original Medicare. It covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium, but the 2026 inpatient deductible is $1,736 per benefit period (CMS).

Part A is the hospital half of Original Medicare and is free for most people who paid into the system. Here is what it covers and costs in 2026.

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Part A covers inpatient hospital care, including a semi-private room, meals, nursing, and drugs given during your stay. It also covers skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, hospice care for the terminally ill, and limited home health services. It does not cover long-term custodial care, the kind that helps with daily activities like bathing and dressing without skilled medical need. Knowing exactly what Part A includes helps you plan for the rest. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to understand your hospital coverage.

How much does Medicare Part A cost in 2026?

Most people get premium-free Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you do not qualify, you can buy Part A, with a premium of up to $518 per month in 2026. Even with premium-free Part A, you pay a $1,736 deductible per benefit period in 2026, plus daily coinsurance for long stays (CMS). Importantly, you can owe that deductible more than once a year if you have separate hospitalizations. A MEDIGAP plan can cover these costs; call 1-800-MEDIGAP.

More on Medicare Basics & Enrollment

← Medicare Basics & Enrollment (overview)pillar guide Medicare Medicare vs Medicaid Medicare Part B What Is Medicare?Medicare Eligibility Who Is Eligible for Medicare?How to Apply for Medicare

Frequently asked questions

Is Medicare Part A free?+

Part A is premium-free for most people who paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. However, it is not cost-free: you still owe a $1,736 deductible per benefit period in 2026 and daily coinsurance for extended stays (CMS). MEDIGAP plans can cover these amounts.

What is a benefit period in Part A?+

A benefit period begins the day you are admitted as an inpatient and ends after you have been out of the hospital or skilled nursing facility for 60 consecutive days. You can have multiple benefit periods in a year, and you pay the Part A deductible each time a new one starts.

Does Part A cover nursing home care?+

Part A covers short-term skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay, up to 100 days per benefit period with coinsurance after day 20. It does not cover long-term custodial care. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to understand the limits and your options.

How do I qualify for premium-free Part A?+

You qualify for premium-free Part A if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters, roughly 10 years. If you have fewer quarters, you may pay a monthly premium. A licensed agent at 1-800-MEDIGAP can confirm your status.

Does a MEDIGAP plan help with Part A costs?+

Yes. Medicare Supplement (MEDIGAP) plans cover the Part A hospital deductible and coinsurance, and most plans add up to 365 extra hospital days after Medicare benefits run out. This protects you from large hospital bills. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare plans.

Talk to a licensed specialist — free.

America's Trusted Toll-Free Number. One call answers it all, at no cost and no obligation.

📞 Call 1-800-MEDIGAP