How long does Medicare Part A cover hospitalization in a benefit period?

Medicare Part A provides coverage for hospitalization in a benefit period for up to 90 days with a daily copayment required for days exceeding the initial 60 days. Specifically, during the first 60 days of hospitalization, Medicare covers all eligible expenses in full. If a beneficiary remains hospitalized beyond 60 days, they are responsible for a daily copayment for the additional days up to the maximum coverage of 90 days in that benefit period. This structure is designed to provide comprehensive short-term hospital coverage while still encouraging efficient use of healthcare resources.

The benefit period starts when a beneficiary is admitted to the hospital and ends when they have not received inpatient hospital care for 60 consecutive days. Understanding this coverage is essential for beneficiaries planning for potential hospital stays and managing their healthcare costs.