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.

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.

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%.

Charise Karjala · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/whats-the-cheapest-way-to-get-medicare-coverage-if-i-only-need-basic-hospital-care#charise-karjala

Ray McCauley · Answer

Stay on basic medicare . however we suggest looking at a medicare advantage which will cover more than just basic hospitalization as well as provide drug coverage.

Esther Miller · Answer

There are many Medicare Advantage plans that have a zero premium, but you'll want to compare the benefits you are getting as some have a lower maximum out of pocket costs, while others have more ancillary benefits like dental, vision or additional chiropractor care. Other plans will cover your medications better. Medicare Supplements, while they cost more money than most Advantage Plans, will cover your medical costs more comprehensively and if you have chronic health conditions and need healthcare frequently, this actually might be your best option. You need to compare all these factors to find the plan that will truly be the best value, rather than just the cheapest.

Answered by Esther Miller on June 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA

Answered by Esther Miller Medicare Insurance Agent

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

Melanie Baxter Black · Answer

Medicare Part A is for hospitalization. It generally does not have a monthly premium. You can simply have Part A for basic hospital care but you must realize that there is a hospital deductible that must be paid per each 60 day benefit period as well as co-insurance. You are required to have a Part D prescription drug plan when you become eligible for one and you CAN purchase a Part D plan with only Part A Medicare. In order to purchase a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan, you must have BOTH Part A -AND- Part B Medicare. Part B is for doctor/medical coverage outside of inpatient hospitalization. Part B Medicare has a monthly premium as well as annual deductible and co-insurance that must be paid.

Answered by Melanie Baxter Black on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Melanie Baxter Black Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

Part A Medicare costs $0, as long as you have enough credits to qualify.  Normally it requires 40 quarters of work.

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

Fred Manas · Answer

The most basic and likely the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage, especially if you primarily need basic hospital care, is to enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and B). 
Here's why:
Part A (Hospital Insurance):
.
This part of Medicare usually covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care. For most people, it's premium-free if they (or their spouse) have worked long enough and paid Medicare taxes. 
Part B (Medical Insurance):
.
This part covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, outpatient care, and some preventative services. While there is a monthly premium for Part B, it's generally the cheapest way to get a comprehensive base of Medicare coverage. 
Additional Considerations:
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):
.
If you want to supplement your Original Medicare coverage to help pay for certain costs like deductibles and copayments, you can purchase a Medigap policy. 
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C):
.
These are alternative plans offered by private companies that are approved by Medicare. While some may offer extra benefits, they are generally more complex and could be more expensive than Original Medicare. 
To get started, you would:
Check your eligibility: You'll need to be 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. 
Enroll in Parts A and B: You can enroll in Part A and B at the Social Security Administration or online. 
Consider if you need Medigap: If you want to supplement your coverage with additional coverage. 
Important Notes:
Cost of Part B: In 2025, the average monthly premium for Part B is $185. 
Income-related adjustment amounts: If your income is above a certain level, you may pay a higher premium for Part B. 
Check with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): They can provide personalized guidance on Medicare options in your area.

Marcie Barnes · Answer

If you are still working, Medicare Part A aka hospital coverage is just fine as long as you have coverage from your employer.

If you don't take Medicare Part B when you are first eligible.  You will incur a lifetime penalty.  That is if you did have credible coverage when you first became eligible.

It's best to get both A &B and enrollment in a Medicare plan with a $0 premium.  So plans off a Part B reduction.

Toni Chavez · Answer

Thanks for your question!

I’m not sure you’re exact question, but I will try to answer it. You have to have Part A ( hospital) and Part B (doctor visits) which is known as original Medicare if this is what you have, you will always pay a 20% out-of-pocket for all services whether it’s a hospital or just a regular doctors visit. 

Your options to not pay the 20% would be to get a Medicare advantage plan also known as part C these plans have a max out-of-pocket and specifically for hospital stays. You may have a co-pay for the first eight days in the hospital, but you can budget any given year by what your max out-of-pocket will be for that plan.

If you don’t use a broker, I recommend we are no cost service and can look at all your options and compare based on your needs and recommendations.

Hope this answers your question be happy and healthy

Richard Balistreri · Answer

If you only need basic hospital care, the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage is to stick with Original Medicare Part A only, assuming you qualify for premium-free Part A. This is true if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years or 40 quarters.

You’ll still pay a $1,676 deductible per benefit period in 2025 and a daily coinsurance after 60 days of hospital stay.

Douglas Carney · Answer

If you only need hospital coverage, enrolling in Medicare Part A is your best bet—it’s premium-free for most people with 40 quarters of work history. It covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice care. Skip Part B ($185/month in 2025) and Part D if you don’t need outpatient or drug coverage which avoids extra costs. 
However be just know that without Part B, you’ll pay full out-of-pocket for doctor visits, so confirm your needs first. Check eligibility and enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to secure this cost-effective coverage, keeping your healthcare simple and budget-friendly!

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

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!

Albert Smith · Answer

I couldn't answer that question without gathering more information on your health.
After an evaluation, I could offer you HealthCare options.

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.

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

Bobby Coates · Answer

The most inexpensive way of gaining simply Hospital coverage would be enrolling in Medicare Part A only. Part A does not have a month premium for most individuals because it was paid for through all of your years of working through payroll taxes. Keep in mind not signing up for Part B, you would not have any coverage for Medical expenses incurred outside of being admitted to the hospital. Also if you sign up for Part B later you may be subject to Late Enrollment penalties.

Answered by Bobby Coates on June 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 21 other states

Answered by Bobby Coates Medicare Insurance Agent

Alicia Benton · Answer

Hello, The least expensive way to obtain hospital coverage is to take either a Medicare supplement or a medicare advantage plan with fixed to little copay with no monthly premium. I can discuss your options if you would like. Please give me a call at 813-743-3862

Answered by Alicia Benton on May 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AZ, IA & KS, SC, TN & VA

Answered by Alicia Benton Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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