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.

Gary Church · Answer

There is no cheapest plan. Understand, we all want to save money, but when it comes to having a Medicare plan, it's about how you'll use the Medicare today and in the future.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi, thanks for watching. So the question is being asked, what's the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage if they only need basic hospital care? Well, when you sign up for Part A and Part B, usually Part A is free if you've worked at least 10 years and paid in due to Social Security. Part B starts this year at $185 a month. And if you go on a Medicare Advantage plan, most of those, not all, but most of those are zero premium each month. So unless you utilize services, you're not having to pay out. That's probably going to be the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage.

Mike Alexander · Answer

Ypu can elect part A only which has hospital only care
But unless you have employer group coverage, you could be subject to a late enrollment penality on your part B cost

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%.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. You could also sign up for a hospital indemnity policy.
Other than that, you would need to get a Medicare policy.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

If you're a senior needing basic hospital care coverage under Medicare, the cheapest way is likely through Original Medicare Part A
(Hospital coverage.)
Then I would look at a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage. These plans work but you need to understand how they work.

Charise Karjala · Answer

What's the cheapest way to get Medicare coverage if I only need basic hospital care? My mother would call that pennywise and pound foolish, but I'll address the question anyway. How do you know that all you need is basic hospital care? I just don't get it. Medicare Part A is free, and that's the hospitalization. If all you want is Medicare Part A, then just have Medicare Part A and get free hospitalization. But know that you won't ever be able to go to a doctor's office without paying full price. If you end up at the hospital, you're going to have a big fat 20% coinsurance, which could be on a two million dollar bill. If you think that's cheap, well then I guess that's cheap, right? I don't know what the other option is. It kind of scares me to think about just not going to the hospital because it's too expensive. I suppose some people think that way.

We have Part B Medicare to prevent you from going to the hospital. That's why we have tests, exams, and specialists trying to prevent the advancement of disease that sends us to the hospital. The hospital is the most expensive way in the system to care for illness. Ideally, we use urgent cares. You don't have to take up a whole lot of space at a hospital; you can go to an urgent care. Then, if they say you need to go to the hospital, then you go to the hospital. I don't even know how to answer this question because it's so outside of my kind of concept. We have doctors, outpatient facilities, and urgent cares to prevent us from going to the hospital because the hospital is the most expensive way to get care.

John Becker · Answer

For basic hospital care with minimal cost, a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan is often the winner if you qualify and don't mind networks and there is one in your area.

Ronnie Robinson Jr · Answer

Reach out to us for a comprehensive Medicare 101 to make sure you get all your questions answered for a 2026 plan as they change annually. We offer no obligation reviews that sometimes include staying where you are! We are about the mission before the commission!

Answered by Ronnie Robinson Jr on November 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, GA & 9 other states

Answered by Ronnie Robinson Jr Medicare Insurance Agent

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

Stella Hattox · Answer

Enroll in Part A only.  That is the cheapest premium cost, but not the cheapest coverage.  You may be out of pocket cost for some expensive procedures not covered by Part A.

Chad Sickle, RN · Answer

A Medicare advantage plan is the cheapest way to get basic hospital coverage. There are no premiums if you use an HMO and a very small one possibly if you use a PPO. These plans typically cover, dental, vision, and prescription drugs, as well as health coverage. They often include extra benefits as well.

Answered by Chad Sickle, RN on January 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Chad Sickle, RN Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Sannes · Answer

The least costly way to get basic hospital care in Medicare is to see if you qualify for a Dual Special Needs plan. These types of plans can help reduce your overall Pemiums, Deductibles, etc. Contact Social Security/Medicare to see if your income/assets will qualify.

Answered by Mark Sannes on March 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in WA, AK, AZ & 11 other states

Answered by Mark Sannes Medicare Insurance Agent

Sarah Rollins · Answer

This is a great question, and one that actually takes many things into consideration. If you have just Original Medicare (meaning Part A and Part B, nothing else), while your monthly premium cost is equal to what you have to pay for Part B, your potential out-of-pocket costs could go into the 100s of 1000s. Especially with hospital care!

The reason for this is that Original Medicare covers 80% of your costs, after any applicable deductible. That means that you could be on the hook for 20% of your bill. A $100k hospital bill (not hard to do) would leave you with a $20k bill. That would wipe most people out.

I always say, friends don't let friends stay on only Original Medicare!

Your 'cheapest' solution will most likely be a Medicare Advantage plan, although it's always wise to meet with a Broker (we don't charge for our time) so they can show you all your options.

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

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

Broker Licensed in MI, AL, AR & 18 other states

Answered by Tom Rogala Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Cooper · Answer

Define "Cheapest"...  Lowest monthly cost is always going to be a Medicare Advantage Plan (typically $0 per month).  Some carriers can even pay a portion of the Part B premium (further reducing the $206.50 - typically coming out of your SSI check).

Cheapest can get pricing if something big happens (God Forbid).  With your financial exposure ranging from $3000 to $5000 to $10,000 depending on your Max Out-Of-Pocket.  So..."Cheapest" is pretty subjective.  Let's schedule a call together and we can work together to determine the Best Strategy for you (based off your needs and your budget)!

Blessings-
Mike Cooper

Alma Preciado · Answer

The cheapest way to get Hospital care is to select a Medicare Advantage plan that will cover your hospital stay. Typically, MAPD plans can cover hospitalization with no deductible and no upfront costs. It's important to review what plans are available in your plan area.

Answered by Alma Preciado on December 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Alma Preciado Medicare Insurance Agent

Lynn Floyd · Answer

Medicare Part A covers hospital care and if you have worked and paid into medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years) Part A is no cost to have but there is out of pocket cost when you do have hospital stays. The inpatient hospital deductible for 2026 is $1,736 per benefit period which covers 60 days. There are other options if you also activate your Medicare Part B. That’s more information than this space allows but hope that helps.

Answered by Lynn Floyd on May 18, 2026

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by Lynn Floyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Monica Butler · Answer

Original Medicare gives you basic hospital care, no need to get additional coverage. But with that said a medicare advantage plan is the least expensive way to get additional coverage.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

You only have one life to live. Please don't equate a potential shortfall in money with getting better coverage. If you don't want to pay any monthly premium, you'll likely go with a Medicare Advantage plan which is govt-subsidized (no premium) but does have a fairly steep out-of-pocket deductible (around $3K). Bear in mind that people who tell me that they are in terrific health haven't taken into account that you could be involved in a car accident where now you're hospitalized and the best plan may not have been the cheapest one. 

Besides, Medicare's coverage is truly terrific & comprehensive. To ask for only "basic" coverage is really Non-Existent! There are over 60,000 procedures & treatments to which Medicare has placed a dollar value on. The only thing that won't be covered are those treatments of an experimental nature. For example, a chiropractor is known for trying something different and then recommending it to his/her patients. If you believe that doctor, then by all means give it a shot. The only thing is that you are paying for that experiment out of your own pocket. Though, once Medicare approves that new treatment, it "could" become an approved/paid for situation.

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

It depends on if your entitled to Original Medicare Part A and Part B. If your Medicare Part A is active then you have 80% coverage for Medicare approved claims. If you not vested in Original Medicare, then call 1800Medicare and speak with a representative if your eligible to enroll in Part A and pay the premiums. Good question. Thank you.

Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on December 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN

Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Houchens · Answer

The cheapest way to get basic coverage would be with a Medicare Advantage plan. Many have zero premiums and many extra benefits such as dental, vision and drug coverage all included.

Michael Pyers · Answer

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

Rick Boyd · Answer

What the real question is how long and frequent are your hospital stays? For short one or two days maybe twice a year, I would say an Advantage plan zero premium, $200- $300 per day co-pay and a maximum out of pocket of $5000/year, will be less than the 20% cost of original medicare, unless you live in a state where hospital costs are well below the national average of $3000/day. If your potential hospital stays are anticipated to be longer or more frequent, then original medicare with a G or N supplement plan would be cheaper overall.

Answered by Rick Boyd on August 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY, AZ, CA & OH, TN, TX & UT

Answered by Rick Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Walt Smith · Answer

There are different plaza available. It depends on your circumstance.  You can, for example get a Medicare Advantage plan for zero premium, depending on where you live.  Please contact me or your broker, and we will determine the best plan for youth for next year.
Thank you. 
Walt Smith

Steven A James, MBA · Answer

Firstly, Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization, Skill Nursing Care/rehab post in-patient hospitalization, and Hospice.  If you've worked the requisite 10yrs/40credit, you'll have no monthly premium as you'd be fully vested.

Medicare Part B is your medical insurance for the remainder of your years.  Alone, it covers services such as doctor/specialist visits, outpatient surgery, lab test, etc. at an 80/20% cost share.  Medicare pays 80%, you'd have a 20% cost share after you've met the annual Part B deductible which increases from the current $233 to $288.

Social Security "expects" you to enroll in your Medicare Part B or it will result in a late enrollment penalty (LEP) which is permanent.  SS also expects you to enroll in a qualified Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or again, permanent late enrollment penalties may apply.

If you're looking to mitigate your coverage premiums, then a Medicare Advantage Plan would work best as these plans are full comprehensive medical plans and generally do include the prescription drug coverage as well as other benefits not available from Medicare, like vision, dental, fitness memberships and more.

These plans generally can be obtained for $0 monthly premium.  You'll need to confirm if any plans are available in your Service Area/County.  However, you must have both Medicare Part A & B.  If none are available, your only option is Medicare alone with a PDP plan or Medicare Supplement with PDP.

Steven James
Contact me.

Geney Ruesga · Answer

You would only take Medicare Part A, but it is always good to pick up Part B.
With part A only, you will still have to pay 20 percent of the cost, and you will have costly deductibles.

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, NC & TX

Answered by Brianna Douros Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Rodolfo Rojas · Answer

If you like, you can stay with just A-Hospital coverage. If you don't get Part D, which is prescriptions, you will be charged a late enrollment penalty, which is 1% of the national base premium you were eligible for for Part D.
Part A will have no monthly cost. If you have to go to the hospital, part A deductible of $1,676 for 
Each time you stay at the hospital for the first day to 60 days. You will be charged $419 for each day after 61 days. 
By not having Part B, you will not be charged the $185 a month.

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

Tamela Clayton · Answer

When you first become eligible for Medicare, most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A (hospital insurance).  Part A helps with inpatient hospital care, but it still has deductibles and daily costs if you are in the hospital for a longer stay, so it's not truly free.  

If you want the lowest-cost overall coverage, many people enroll in both Part A and Part B and then choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a $0 or low monthly premium in their area.  To enroll in any Part C plan, you must be enrolled in Part B and pay the Part B monthly premium, but these plans can help manage your hospital costs and limit your maximum out of pocket each year.

If you decide to keep only Part A and skip Part B, you can still use your Part A for hospital stays, but you will have more financial risk because there is no yearly cap on what you might pay out of pocket under Original Medicare.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

I can enroll you in a no-premium plan

Please contact me and I’ll enroll you for 2026

Glenn

Jami Mead · Answer

For Hospital care, when you turn 65 and have 40 qualifying quarters of work experience you qualify for Medicare Part A at no expense. I am happy to go in to more detail if needed. Give me a call!

Adam Morillo · Answer

It's best to speak to an individual broker that offers both sides to Medicare to fully breakdown this question and see what makes sense for your medical needs and budget.

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

Bruce Resnick · Answer

Medicare covers hospital stays under Medicare Part A. Part A is provided at no cost to most Americans who have paid into the system through payroll deductions for at least 10 years. Part B covers doctors and other providers when not a hospital in-patient. Part D covers out-patient prescription drugs at home. When you are hospitalized Part covers all eligible charges incurred while you are an admitted in-patient. Your cheapest monthly premium cost ($0 per month) would be Part A only. But beware, Part A is contains a minefield of high deductibles, co-pays, and other limits. So although Part A is premium free for you, several short hospitalizations or one long major one could turn out more expensive than you were expecting. ALSO, and this is very important, If you decide to forego Part B and/or Part D, you will be penalized for all the months you did not have them if you should ever decide to enroll in either one in the future.

Answered by Bruce Resnick on September 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Bruce Resnick Medicare Insurance Agent

Charlie Fitzgerald · Answer

Original Medicare Part A and Part B will cover you for the services. A Medicare Advantage Plan might also be a consideration to have the services you need and a Prescription Drug Plan incorporated - MA-PD plan.

Answered by Charlie Fitzgerald on October 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in NV, AZ, CA & 12 other states

Answered by Charlie Fitzgerald Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Rick 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.

Christopher Matthews · 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!

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!

Daniel Matar · Answer

The cheapest way is to rely on Medicare part A for your hospital care. For most people, Medicare part A is free if you’ve paid Medicare taxes for 10 years or more.

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.

Stacy Cogar · Answer

This is a tough question to answer without knowing a little bit more of information. Generally Medicare Part A is no cost if you are eligible for Medicare which is what covers hospitalization. If you do not have any insurance at all however, you need to get both Part A & B (which is $202.90 per month for most people) otherwise you could be penalized later for not having coverage.

Answered by Stacy Cogar on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Stacy Cogar Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason York · Answer

The cheapest way to get Medicare coverage is to have qualify for part a through your work history and apply for B assistance through Medicaid or a Medicare assistance program that can lower out of pocket costs. Typically Medicare Advantage plans for just basic care would be your cheapest route.

Answered by Jason York on September 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 17 other states

Answered by Jason York Medicare Insurance Agent

Boris Mitnik · Answer

It is vague question. Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) which you are paying $185 a month covers Hospital care with deductible of about $1,650, that one has to pay at the start of each new 60-day benefit period before Original Medicare begins to cover inpatient hospital services.
The question now is if you want a better coverage than a this one?

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

Sheila Simpson · Answer

Everyone situation is different before making a choice to only keep hospital Medicare I would suggest having a clear understanding, since as we get old our health can change.

MoniKea Hatten · Answer

If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters (about 10 years), you can enroll in just Medicare Part A for $0 per month to cover inpatient hospital costs. Just be aware that declining Part B leaves you with no coverage for doctor visits and can result in lifetime late-enrollment penalties down the road.

Answered by MoniKea Hatten on December 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL, AZ, CO & IN, KS, TX & WI

Answered by MoniKea Hatten 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 contact me

Answered by Alicia Benton on May 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AZ, IA & 5 other states

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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