What does Part A cost in 2025?

The good news is that for most people, you’ve already paid for it. Most Medicare taxes are paid for while you work, generally over a 10-year period. This is called Premium-Free Part A. However, some people may not qualify for Premium-Free Part A. In this case, please don’t fret, as Part A can sometimes be bought. Each month, you’ll pay either:

  • $285 IF you paid Medicare Taxes for 30-39 work quarters.

  • $518 IF you paid Medicare Taxes for less than 30 work quarters.

Be aware, if you do not get Part A Coverage when you first become eligible (usually when you turn 65), your monthly premium may go up by 10%. You’ll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn’t sign up.

What is my deductible?

Your deductible is $1,676 for each inpatient hospital benefit period, before original Medicare starts to pay. There is no limit to the number of benefit periods you can have in a year, meaning that you may have to pay your deductible more than once in a year.

What if I’m inpatient at a Hospital?

For days 0 to 60, you pay $0 AFTER you pay your Part A Deductible. For days 61 to 90, it’s $419 for each day. After day 90, you pay $838 each day while using your 60 lifetime reserve days. After 150 days, you pay all costs.

NOTE: You pay for private-duty nursing, a television or phone in your room (if there’s a separate charge for these items), personal care items (razors or slipper socks), or a private room, unless medically necessary.

What if I’m inpatient at a Mental Health facility?

If you’re inpatient at a general or psychiatric hospital, you also pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for mental health services you get from providers during your stay.

NOTE: If you’re getting services at a psychiatric hospital, remember that Part A only pays for up to 190 days of inpatient psychiatric care during your lifetime.

What if' I’m staying at a Skilled nursing facility?

For days 1 to 20, it costs nothing to stay. For days 21 to 100, it costs $209.50 for each day. For days 101 and beyond, you pay all costs.

What about Home Health Care?

It costs nothing for the covered Home Health Care services. Likewise, it only costs 20% of the approved amount for durable medical equipment (DME), like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment.

What about Hospice care?

Like Home Health Care, it costs nothing for the covered services. There is a co-payment of $5 for each prescription drug and other similar products for pain relief and symptom control while you’re at home. You only pay for 5% of the Medicare approved amount for inpatient respite care. Medicare, however, doesn't cover room and board when you get hospice care in your home or another facility where you live (like a nursing home).

NOTE: Original Medicare will be billed for your hospice care, even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan. When you get hospice care, your Medicare Advantage Plan can still cover services that aren’t part of your terminal illness or any conditions related to your terminal illness. For more on hospice care and to find Medicare-approved providers, contact your plan or visit Medicare.gov/care-compare.

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Image courtesy of Flickr.

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