Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance Medicare is a federal health insurance program that is made up of two separate sections. Part A of Medicare is automatically available to all persons over the age of 65 that are entitled to receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. Elderly not covered by Social Security may elect to join Medicare Part A if they pay a monthly premium. Part A covers inpatient hospital services for a maximum of 90 days for each benefit period. The benefit period is the time period during which benefits are received starting on the day of admittance and ending 60 days after being released.
Benefits are payable directly to the hospital or medical provider.
An annual deductible must be satisfied. A second daily deductible must be satisfied while in a hospital or extended care facility from the 61st to 90th day of treatment. Benefits under Part A include prescription drugs while hospitalized. Skilled nursing, hospice and post-hospital home health care are provided beyond hospitalization if deemed medically necessary. Individuals pay a monthly premium, deductible, and 20 percent of the medical expenses.