Under Medicare Part A, what is the 'benefit period' (spell of illness), and what role do the lifetime reserve days play?

Question

Accepted Answer

A benefit period begins with inpatient hospitalization and ends after 60 consecutive days without inpatient care; the insured has 60 lifetime reserve days for hospital stays beyond 90 days

Answer

A benefit period is one calendar year, and the lifetime reserve provides 90 extra days each year

Answer

The benefit period ends when the insured is discharged from the hospital, and lifetime reserve days renew annually

Answer

Lifetime reserve days may be used for skilled nursing care before the benefit period ends

Under Medicare Part A, what is the 'benefit period' (spell of illness), and what role do the lifetime reserve days play?

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