Counseling Locations and Appointments
Last Updated:
11/5/08
INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE
Benefits are paid on the basis of benefit periods. A benefit period begins the first day you are hospitalized and ends when you have been out of a hospital or skilled nursing facility for 60 consecutive days. If you enter a hospital again after 60 days, a new benefit period begins.
In 2008, a Medicare beneficiary is responsible for a deductible of $1,024 for the first day of each benefit period, after which Medicare pays for up to 60 days of full hospital care. For days 61-90, the beneficiary is responsible for $256 per day (co-payment). In addition, a beneficiary has 60 lifetime reserve days, and would be responsible for a co-payment of $512 per day for days 91-150. There is no Medicare coverage for days 150-365.