For how many days does Medicare cover the full cost of inpatient hospital care under Part A?

Medicare Part A covers the full cost of inpatient hospital care for up to 60 days in each benefit period after the deductible is met. This coverage is crucial because it helps beneficiaries access necessary medical services without incurring substantial out-of-pocket costs for the first portion of their hospital stay.

If a beneficiary requires hospitalization beyond 60 days, they will start to incur daily coinsurance costs. The Medicare policy is structured this way to encourage efficient use of hospital services while still providing adequate coverage for necessary medical care. Thus, understanding that the coverage lasts for 60 days helps in planning for potential medical expenses during hospitalization.