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                              What is Medicare Part A?
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What is Medicare Part A?








  
  
    

  
      



**Medicare Part A** helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals, critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. You must meet certain conditions to get these benefits.**Cost:** Most people don't have to pay a monthly payment, called a premium, for Part A. This is because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working. If you (or your spouse) didn't pay Medicare taxes while you worked and you are age 65 or older, you may be able to buy Part A.
If you aren't sure if you have Part A, look on your red, white, and blue Medicare card. If you have Part A, "Hospital (Part A)" is printed on your card. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office for more information about buying Part A. If you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), call your local RRB office or 1-800-808-0772.
Eligibility: To learn if you are eligible for Medicare, use the Medicare Eligibility Tool.
Also, see What Does Medicare Part A cover?
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Content created by Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA) Content last reviewed August 11, 2014 Back to top
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