Benefits Period

In Medicare Part A, a benefits period begins the day a person is admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing facility and ends when the individual has not received inpatient care for 60 consecutive days. Each new benefit period resets costs like deductibles.

Inpatient Care

Medical treatment provided to a patient who is admitted to a hospital or facility for at least one overnight stay. Medicare Part A, Medicaid, and CHIP cover inpatient care, which includes hospital stays, surgery, and rehabilitation services.

Lifetime Reserve Days (Medicare)

A set of 60 additional days that Medicare Part A beneficiaries can use during their lifetime for hospital stays beyond the standard 90 days per benefit period. These days come with a higher coinsurance cost and are only available once in a lifetime.

Medicare Part A

The hospital insurance component of Medicare, which covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part A (Medicare)

The hospital insurance part of Medicare, covering inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. Most individuals qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

A healthcare facility that provides high-level medical care and rehabilitation services after hospitalization. Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing care for a limited period after a qualifying hospital stay, while Medicaid may cover long-term stays for eligible individuals.