Understanding the Parts of Medicare: Medicare Part A

There are four Main components of Medicare: Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D. Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance and it covers medically necessary hospital care, limited nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health services. Medicare Part A is free if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (40 Calendar quarters). If you have worked and paid taxes for less time, you have to pay a monthly premium. It does not cover long-term care, most dental care, acupuncture, routine foot care, or eye examinations to prescribe glasses.