Benefit period
The benefit period is not a calendar year. A person can have more than one benefit period in a year.
Source: Medicare.gov, Inpatient hospital care. Page read October 14, 2026.
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Definition · Medicare program and benefits
Benefit period
A Medicare benefit period measures a spell of inpatient hospital and skilled nursing care. It starts on admission and ends after 60 days in a row with no inpatient hospital or skilled nursing care. A new period brings a new Part A deductible. This page does not track a person's days.
Questions
Benefit period, answered
Is a benefit period a calendar year?
No. It is a spell of illness. It ends only after 60 days in a row without inpatient hospital or skilled nursing care.