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Medicare Part A Explained

What is Medicare Part A?

What does Medicare Part A cover?

  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Home health care
  • Hospice care

How much does Medicare Part A cost?

Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A. If you or your spouse worked for 10 years and paid Medicare taxes, you will not have to pay a premium. These costs may apply:

  • Inpatient hospital deductible
  • Inpatient hospital copay
  • Skilled nursing copay
  • Durable medical equipment copay

Am I eligible for Medicare Part A?

You can enroll in Medicare Part A if:

  • You are age 65 or older, or
  • You are under age 65 with certain disabilities, or
  • You have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis.

How do I get Medicare Part A?

If you already get benefits from Social Security, you'll get Medicare Parts A and Part B automatically when you're first eligible and don't need to sign up. Medicare will send you a "Welcome to Medicare" packet three months before you turn 65. You can also contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Original Medicare. Go to SSA.gov or call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.

Next Steps

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-866-400-5077 (TTY: 711) for more information. Out-of-network/Noncontracted providers are under no obligation to treat UPMC for Life members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost sharing that applies to out-of-network services. Other physicians/providers are available in the UPMC for Life network.

This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our customer service number at 1-877-539-3080 (TTY: 711).

UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. UPMC for Life is a product of and operated by UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., and UPMC Health Coverage Inc.

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UPMC for Life Members
Call us toll-free: 1-877-539-3080
TTY: 711

Oct. 1 – March 31:
Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

April 1 – Sept. 30:
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

UPMC for Life Prospective Members
Call us toll-free: 1-866-400-5077
TTY: 711

Jan. 1 – Sept. 30:
Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Oct. 1 – Dec. 31:
Seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Last Updated: 1/19/2024