Medicare Supplement Plan A, also known as Medigap Plan A, should not be misinterpreted as Medicare Part A. Medicare 
Supplement Plan A helps cover out-of-pocket expenses from Original Medicare. In contrast, Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care.
Coverage for Plan A
Plan A is one of the ten standardized Medicare Supplement plans that offers the fewest benefits but does cover 100% of the costs.
- Coinsurance payments (Medicare Part A) for inpatient hospital care up to an additional year after the Medicare benefits have been used up
- Copayment or coinsurance expenses for Medicare Part B
- First three pints of blood used in a medical procedure
- Hospice care coinsurance expenses or copayments for Part A
Some plans cover up to five additional benefits compared to Plan A.
It is important to note that it is required for all insurance companies to offer the same primary benefits for each supplement plan. Still, it is also possible that companies will include extra benefits. However, the most significant difference between what the companies offer is usually based on their premiums.
What is not covered by Plan A?
Medicare Supplement Plan A does not cover deductibles for Medicare Parts A and B, nor does it cover skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, excess charges from Part B, and emergency costs for foreign travel.
Costs involved with Plan A
Plan A is best for those who do not want to pay a higher premium payment or do not necessarily need to use some of the additional benefits offered by other plans. However, depending on which insurance company you choose and where you live, your premium payments can vary on price. Plan A also has the potential for you to pay higher out-of-pocket expenses.
The benefits that are not offered by Plan A do have the possibility of being covered by other supplement plans. Otherwise, these benefits will need to be paid out-of-pocket.
