What's the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage if I only need basic hospital care?

Question

Phillip Lovelady · Accepted Answer

I would never advise someone to ONLY enroll in Part A (Hospital) 
If you skip Part B (outpatient care) to avoid its monthly premium -  here’s the catch: if you delay Part B and later decide you need it, YOU'LL FACE A LATE ENROLLMENT PENALTY —10% added to the premium for each year you could’ve enrolled but didn’t—unless you have other creditable coverage (like an employer plan). Also, Part A alone won’t cover doctor visits, labs, or outpatient procedures, so if “basic hospital care” might stretch beyond inpatient stays, you’d be paying those extras fully out-of-pocket. For pure cost minimization with a hospital-only focus, Part A solo is your leanest option—just be sure your needs won’t creep into Part B territory later.

William Lawler · Answer

The cheapest way to get hospital coverage is with Part A. Part A covers hospital charges at a 80/20 coinsurance rate. Medicare pays 80%, you pay 20%. Be aware, there is NO CAP on your 20%.

Tom Rogala · Answer

Medicare Addvantage Prescription Drug PPO plans are typically $0 premium monthly. When you use it you pay a small copay. The only big copay is cancer and you can get a cancer rider for about $11 per month

Answered by Tom Rogala on March 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, AR, AZ & 10 other states

Answered by Tom Rogala Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

People believe that an MA plan is always the cheapest, but find out too late that it was costly in the end. The fact that in Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment, you have NO UNDERWRITING means you should grab the best plan while you can! If you feel healthy today, that may not be where you end up in a year, and then you find you have the worst coverage for that health dilemma. Even the healthiest and the smartest cannot predict accidents or what health crisis may affect us should another COVID come down the pike! No one knew that was going to devastate our cultures and health as it did!  So you should be prepared!
Therefore, I would always stay with Original Medicare, and at least opt for a High-Deductible Supplemental plan. This way, you would have the best coverage for anything catastrophic, and if you didn't need to use it, even for a couple of years, you didn't overpay for it. It will protect you from severe financial distress and allow you to choose the best doctors so your situation won't worsen with severe financial obligations.

Aaron Solomon · Answer

When you turn 65, sign up for Medicare  Part A. There is no cost This works if you have other insurance through an employer

Ryan Ross · Answer

The cheapest way to get Medicare coverage if you only need basic hospital care is:

Medicare Part A usually costs $0 if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

It covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care.

 It's a great basic option if you're not using regular doctor visits or prescriptions much.
 But remember, Part A only covers hospital care, not doctor visits or medicine.

Need help seeing if it’s enough for you? I can help you check in just a few minutes!

Diana Pedersen · Answer

High deductible Plan G: A cheap way to have great coverage if you get very sick. This is basically a major medical type of policy.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement): Provides coverage for things not covered by Medicare Parts A and B.

Medicare Advantage plans also have some options that could be affordable monthly where some are $0 monthly premium.

Medicaid: Based on factors such as medical condition or income level, you may be eligible for free or nearly free Medicaid coverage.

Medicare Savings Programs: For people 65 and older with low income to help with premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

Buying the "cheapest" coverage isn't something we would ever recommend though someone could opt for Part A only and most people pay $0/mo for that. It does however come with variable out of pocket costs with NO cap on total spending. A hospital indemnity policy could be added to that to pick-up more of the hospital costs along the way. What is still missing however is Medical (outpatient) and Prescription coverage. One should always assume they will pay at least the part B premium and perhaps could get by with a $0 Medicare Advantage plan to reduce total exposure but that would not be our advice for most people.

Answered by Kevin Chaikin on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, AL, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Kevin Chaikin Medicare Insurance Agent

Brianna Douros · Answer

Technically you could decline your Part B coverage and only apply for Part A giving you only hospital coverage (after you’ve met the deductible of course). However, you would need to keep in mind you will have no medical coverage for your primary care, preventative services, & etc. Also, if you wanted to add Part B later down the road then you would have a penalty in addition to your Part B premium- not including your part d coverage & penalty if you declined that as well. We are only going to decline in health as we age, it’s inevitable & I would not recommend this route, especially if you are just trying to save money but I guess it is an option. However, if you are in a financial set back and just can’t afford the costs of your medicare premium then I’d recommend applying for Mediciad- Medicaid is income based and offered through your state, it could help pay some or all of your part B premium if you qualify.

Answered by Brianna Douros on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, CO & TX

Answered by Brianna Douros Medicare Insurance Agent

What's the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage if I only need basic hospital care?

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What's the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage if I only need basic hospital care?

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