What part of Medicare is hospital insurance given to everyone?

Medicare Part A is known as hospital insurance and is provided to individuals 65 years of age and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific conditions like end-stage renal disease. This part of Medicare covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Enrollment in Part A is typically automatic for those who receive Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, ensuring that most seniors have access to hospital insurance without needing to pay a premium if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for a specified duration.

In contrast, Medicare Part B covers outpatient services, which include doctor visits and preventive services but requires a monthly premium. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, encompasses both Part A and Part B benefits and often additional coverage, such as vision or dental services, but is not a standalone plan and is not automatically given to all individuals. Lastly, Medicare Part D specifically addresses prescription drug coverage and requires enrollment in a separate plan, usually with its own premiums as well. Thus, Medicare Part A stands out as the foundational coverage that provides essential hospital insurance to all eligible individuals.