Which term describes the start of Medicare Part A's benefit period?

• A. Deductible period
• B. Coverage period
• C. Benefit period
• D. Co-pay period

Answer: (C)

Medicare Part A uses a defined timeframe called a benefit period to determine hospital and skilled nursing care cost sharing. A new benefit period begins the day you’re admitted as an inpatient in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility, and it ends after you haven’t received inpatient care for 60 consecutive days. The term that best describes when that period starts is the benefit period itself, because the period is defined by the inpatient admission. Within that period, the Part A deductible typically applies at the start, and coinsurance rules follow as you use more days of care. If you’re readmitted after a 60-day break, a new benefit period starts anew. This is why the concept you’re looking for is the benefit period.