Definitions for "Benefit Period"
The time period used in determining if Medicare can pay for covered Part A services. There is no limit the number of benefit periods a Medicare client can have. A benefit period: (1) Starts the first day the Medicare client is provided inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, or rehabilitation services by a qualified provider, and (2) Ends when the Medicare client has not been an inpatient of a hospital or other facility for 60 consecutive days. See: Medicare
Under the Original Medicare Plan, a benefit period begins the day you go in the hospital or skilled nursing home. The benefit period ends when you have been out of the hospital or skilled nursing home for 60 days in a row. If you go into the hospital or skilled nursing again after 60 days have passed, you begin a new benefit period.
The period of time benefits are received based on a contractual agreement. The term is commonly used to refer to health or disability benefits.