The Medicare Part A deductible for 2025 has been set at $1,676 per benefit period, marking a slight increase compared to previous years. For millions of seniors and individuals enrolled in Medicare, understanding this cost is essential to managing healthcare expenses, especially for hospital stays and skilled nursing care.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s deductible and how it could impact your out-of-pocket costs.
What Is the Medicare Part A Deductible?
Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care. The $1,676 deductible is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before Medicare begins covering your costs during a benefit period.
A benefit period starts on the day you’re admitted as an inpatient and ends when you’ve gone 60 consecutive days without receiving inpatient care. This means you could potentially pay the deductible more than once in a year if you’re hospitalized multiple times with breaks of 60 days or more between stays.
What Will You Pay for Hospital Stays in 2025?
After meeting the $1,676 deductible, your costs depend on how long you stay in the hospital:
- Days 1-60: $0 per day (fully covered by Medicare Part A)
- Days 61-90: $419 per day
- Days 91-150: $838 per day if you use lifetime reserve days (limited to 60 days over your lifetime)
- Beyond Day 150: You are responsible for all costs
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Costs
If you require a stay in a skilled nursing facility, here’s what you’ll pay in 2025:
- Days 1-20: $0 per day (no out-of-pocket costs)
- Days 21-100: $209.50 per day
- After Day 100: You’ll be responsible for the full cost of care
Why Understanding the Deductible Matters
Knowing your Medicare Part A deductible and benefit structure can help you plan for potential hospitalizations and unexpected medical expenses. Since the deductible applies per benefit period rather than annually, it’s important to track your benefit periods if you’re frequently hospitalized.
If you anticipate frequent or long hospital stays, consider Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) to help cover out-of-pocket expenses.
What to Do If You’re Worried About Costs
- Review your coverage: Check whether you have additional coverage through a Medigap policy or Medicare Advantage plan.
- Plan: Understanding how the deductible resets can help you avoid unexpected bills.
- Consult a professional: Medicare advisors can help you choose plans that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
