When undergoing surgery, especially for serious conditions requiring hospitalization, understanding how Medicare covers these costs is crucial. If you’re wondering “Does Medicare Part A cover inpatient surgery?”, the short answer is yes — but the specifics matter. This guide explains what Medicare Part A covers, how inpatient surgeries are handled, and what costs you may be responsible for.
What Is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A, also known as hospital insurance, primarily covers inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and some home health care. If your surgery requires you to be admitted to a hospital as an inpatient, Medicare Part A will cover eligible costs, including:
- Semi-private room
- Meals
- General nursing care
- Medications provided during your stay
- Necessary medical supplies and services
Does Medicare Part A Cover Inpatient Surgery?
Yes, Medicare Part A covers inpatient surgery if:
- The procedure is medically necessary.
- It is performed during a hospital admission.
- The hospital accepts Medicare assignment.
This includes surgeries for serious conditions, like removing fibroids, joint replacements, heart surgeries, and more. Medicare Part A covers the hospital stay itself, but there are important cost-sharing factors, including:
- Medicare Part A deductible: In 2025, this deductible is $1,632 per benefit period (subject to annual changes).
- Coinsurance for extended stays: Days 1-60 are covered after the deductible, but days 61-90 require a daily coinsurance payment.
What Inpatient Surgery Costs Does Medicare Part A NOT Cover?
While Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital services, it does not cover:
- Physician and surgeon fees — These are covered under Medicare Part B.
- Certain medications — Part A covers medications during your stay, but post-discharge prescriptions may be covered under Medicare Part D.
- Elective or cosmetic procedures — Unless deemed medically necessary.
Does Medicare Cover Surgery for Fibroids?
For individuals with severe uterine fibroids, surgery may be necessary. Medicare typically covers:
- Myomectomy (fibroid removal) if medically necessary.
- Hysterectomy if it’s required due to pain, heavy bleeding, or other serious symptoms.
Related: Can I Request a Hysterectomy for Fibroids?
Yes, you can request a hysterectomy for fibroids if:
- Less invasive treatments have failed.
- The fibroids cause severe symptoms (pain, bleeding, or infertility).
- Your doctor determines the surgery is medically necessary.
Medicare will cover the procedure if it meets these criteria.
Will Insurance Cover a Hysterectomy for Fibroids?
If you have Medicare or private insurance, a hysterectomy for fibroids is typically covered if it’s medically necessary. Medicare Part A covers the hospital stay, and Medicare Part B covers the surgeon’s services.
Is It Better to Remove Fibroids or Get a Hysterectomy?
The choice between removing fibroids (myomectomy) or a hysterectomy depends on:
- Your age and reproductive goals (myomectomy preserves the uterus, hysterectomy does not).
- Severity and location of fibroids.
- Medical history and personal preference.
Medicare covers both procedures if they’re medically necessary.
Can Fibroids Grow Back After a Hysterectomy?
No, fibroids cannot grow back after a hysterectomy, because the uterus is removed. However, if you only have a myomectomy, there is a chance that new fibroids could develop.
Final Thoughts
Does Medicare Part A Cover Inpatient Surgery?
Yes, Medicare Part A covers inpatient surgery when it is medically necessary and performed in a Medicare-approved hospital. However, patients are responsible for deductibles and possible coinsurance, and surgeon fees are covered under Part B.
If you’re facing a procedure like fibroid removal or a hysterectomy, Medicare can help cover your inpatient hospital stay and related services — ensuring you receive the care you need without facing excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Need Help Understanding Your Medicare Coverage?
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage for surgery, contact Medicare directly or consult a licensed Medicare advisor to explore your options and ensure you have the right coverage in place.
Keywords to Target
- Does Medicare Part A cover inpatient surgery
- Medicare coverage for surgery
- Medicare inpatient hospital stay coverage
- Does Medicare cover fibroid surgery
- Does Medicare cover hysterectomy
- Medicare Part A and Part B surgery coverage
- Medicare surgery cost-sharing
