- US News. Medicaid Cuts: New analysis confirms exactly when millions could be left without coverage
- US News. Chapter 31 VA Benefits: What is a rehabilitation plan and what services does it offer?
Whether you're planning for retirement or helping a family member navigate healthcare, Medicare is one of those topics that's easy to put off-until it suddenly matters a lot. In 2025, changes to inpatient hospital costs under Medicare Part A are worth a closer look.
Medicare doesn't have a yearly out-of-pocket limit unless you've got extra coverage through something like Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan. That means if you land in the hospital more than once, the bills can stack up faster than you'd think.
New year, new numbers: What a hospital stay looks like in 2025
Here's what you'll pay if you're itted to the hospital under Original Medicare this year:
The Part A deductible is now $1,676-you pay that upfront for each benefit period (not just once a year).
After that, the first 60 days of your stay cost $0.
Days 61-90 will cost you $419 per day.
Days 91-150? That jumps to $838 daily, as you tap into your one-time "lifetime reserve days."
After day 150, you're paying 100% out of pocket.
That's a steep increase, especially if you end up back in the hospital for a second or third visit in the same year.
If you don't qualify for -free Part A (because you or your spouse didn't pay into Medicare long enough), you'll also pay a monthly -either $285 or $518, depending on how long you worked.
These aren't just theoretical numbers. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the average hospital stay in the U.S. runs just over five days, and nearly one in five Medicare beneficiaries has more than one stay per year.
It doesn't stop at the hospital door
Other common costs include:
- Skilled nursing care: Free for the first 20 days, then $209.50/day up to day 100.
- Hospice care: No cost for most services, but expect small copays for pain meds and short-term respite care.
- Durable medical equipment: You'll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
And don't forget Part B-you'll need it to access many outpatient and doctor-related services, and it comes with its own $185 monthly and a $257 deductible in 2025.
How to keep your costs in check
So what can you do? Look into Medigap or a Medicare Advantage Plan, which can cap your yearly spending and fill in the gaps Original Medicare leaves behind. As KFF notes, these plans vary by state and provider but can make a huge difference if you end up needing ongoing or emergency care.
Also worth noting: If you have limited income, you might qualify for state assistance programs to help cover s and deductibles. The Social Security istration and your state Medicaid office can help you find out.
Medicare might be complicated, but ignoring it is costly. Think of it like managing a team budget-you don't want to get caught over the cap when the season gets tough.