Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning (ADFP) Practice Test

How many days of inpatient hospital care does Medicare Part A cover during each benefit period?

1. 20 days

2. 30 days

3. 45 days

4. 60 days

The correct answer is: 30 days

Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient hospital care in a way that is structured around benefit periods. Each benefit period begins the first day a patient is admitted as an inpatient in a hospital and lasts for up to 60 days after discharge. During this time, Medicare covers up to 60 days of inpatient hospital care without a daily co-payment. The first 60 days of covered inpatient care typically do not require a co-payment, which significantly emphasizes the extent of coverage Medicare provides during an initial stay or usual hospital stay for patients. After 60 days, cost-sharing mechanisms would apply, making it essential for patients to understand that while they are initially covered for 60 days without additional costs, their financial responsibility may increase if hospitalization extends beyond that period. This structure supports patients who require substantial inpatient stays and allows for significant treatment without immediate out-of-pocket expenses for a considerable duration.