A hospital stay can cost a lot more than you would assume — especially if you don’t have a Medicare Supplement plan (or Medigap). Even a short stay can leave you with major out-of-pocket expenses, because Medicare does not cover everything.

Below, this Supplemental Medicare agency in Portage, Indiana is going to highlight the difference in hospital costs with and without a Medigap plan.

How much of your hospital stay is covered by Medicare?

When you go into the hospital and are admitted as an inpatient, Medicare Part A is what covers your stay. Part A includes coverage for hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and some home health care. But even with inpatient hospital care coverage, you still have costs to pay.

Before Medicare starts paying, you must pay a deductible for each benefit period. And if you stay in the hospital more than 60 days, you will also have to pay a daily coinsurance amount. So, the longer you stay, the more you may have to pay out of pocket unless you have Medigap to cover the costs.

In 2025, you will have to pay a $1,676 deductible each time you start a new benefit period before Medicare covers your hospital stay. After that, Medicare will cover the full cost for the first 60 days.

But once you reach day 61, you’ll have to pay $419 every day. If you are still in the hospital after 90 days, the cost increases to $838 per day and that only applies for a limited number of “lifetime reserve” days.

A new benefit period starts if you have been out of the hospital for 60 consecutive days. With a new benefit period, the deductible also resets.

So even though Medicare does help, it does not cover everything. Without Medigap, you could be left with some very large bills, especially if you have a long stay or need care more than once in a short period of time.

How does Medigap change what you pay in the hospital?

A Medigap plan works with your Original Medicare to cover the costs that Medicare does not pay. It does not replace Medicare. It only fills in the gaps. So, when you have Medigap, you get extra protection from surprise medical bills and your hospital costs become much easier to manage.

With the right Medigap plan, costs like the deductible, coinsurance and other fees can be covered for you. You will not have to worry as much about the bill increasing day by day during a hospital stay. Your local Supplemental Medicare agency in Portage, Indiana can explain the available plans and help you find one that offers the best protection.

What affects how much you pay for a hospital stay?

The amount you ultimately pay for a hospital stay under Medicare can change based on certain factors. First, it depends on how long you are in the hospital. After the first 60 days, the daily costs start to increase. And after day 90, they become even higher unless you have a Medigap plan.

Your costs can also depend on whether your doctor accepts Medicare’s approved rates or assignment. If they don’t, you can be charged up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount.

The type of Medigap plan you have can also be a factor because different Medigap plans cover different gaps.

It can be overwhelming to figure this all out on your own — and that is where a Supplemental Medicare agency in Portage, Indiana can help. They will analyze your health needs, budget and preferred doctors before recommending the best coverage for your needs.

Looking for a Supplemental Medicare agency in Portage, Indiana?

Whether you choose to get a Medigap plan or not, the most important thing is understanding what a hospital stay could cost you. If you want expert help to figure it all out, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced Supplemental Medicare agency in Portage, Indiana.

At Senior Care Insurance Services (SCIS), we help people throughout Indiana learn how Medicare works and choose plans that match their health needs and budgets. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our agents.