Understanding Part A: Hospital Insurance

The Part A deductible for hospital admissions will increase to $1,736 in 2026, up from $1,676 in 2025. This deductible applies to the first 60 days of inpatient hospital care in each benefit period. Since there is no limit to the number of benefit periods a beneficiary may experience in a year, it’s possible to pay the deductible multiple times if multiple hospitalizations occur.

For patients who require hospitalization beyond 60 days, the coinsurance amounts will also increase. For days 61 through 90, coinsurance rises to $434 per day, and for day 91 and beyond, it reaches $868 per day.

Skilled nursing facilities have separate coinsurance rates for extended care services: beneficiaries will pay $217 per day for days 21 through 100 in a benefit period.

It is important to remember that Part A does not cover long-term care, custodial care, or most non-medical personal services. Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating typically falls outside Part A coverage.