How many days is inpatient hospital care covered under Medicare Part A?

Inpatient hospital care under Medicare Part A is covered for up to 90 days in any benefit period. This benefit is essential because it allows beneficiaries to receive necessary care for conditions that require hospitalization. During these 90 days, Medicare Part A typically covers most of the costs associated with the inpatient stay, including room and board, nursing services, and various treatments.

After the first 90 days of inpatient care in a benefit period, beneficiaries have access to an additional 60 lifetime reserve days, giving them the ability to prolong their hospital stay if needed. However, it's important to note that this extended coverage reduces the lifetime reserve days available for future hospitalizations.

Understanding this coverage limit is critical for Medicare beneficiaries and those helping them navigate health care costs, as it directly impacts both patient access to care and potential out-of-pocket expenses for extended stays. The other options do not accurately reflect the coverage provided by Medicare Part A, thereby supporting the understanding of the 90-day limit.