CARD Q092
An Original Medicare beneficiary has no inpatient hospital or skilled SNF care for 65 consecutive days, then is admitted to a hospital. What happens?
- The admission uses the old benefit period because fewer than 90 days passed
- The old benefit period continues until December 31
- A new benefit period begins only if the diagnosis is different
- A new benefit period begins, with a new Part A hospital deductible
A new benefit period begins, with a new Part A hospital deductible
A benefit period ends after 60 consecutive days without inpatient hospital care or skilled SNF care. A later inpatient admission begins a new period; the diagnosis need not change.
Why each choice is right or wrong
A. The admission uses the old benefit period because fewer than 90 days passed
Incorrect. The reset is 60 qualifying consecutive days, not 90.
B. The old benefit period continues until December 31
Incorrect. The benefit period is not tied to December 31.
C. A new benefit period begins only if the diagnosis is different
Incorrect. A new diagnosis is not required.
D. A new benefit period begins, with a new Part A hospital deductible
Correct. A benefit period ends after 60 consecutive days without inpatient hospital care or skilled SNF care. A later inpatient admission begins a new period; the diagnosis need not change.
Review the related terms
Use these lessons to revisit the concepts and try additional practice questions.