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Glossary
This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it is not a legal
document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations,
and rulings.
All Letters: displays the entire glossary
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Definition |
BENEFICIARY
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The name for a person who has health care insurance through the Medicare or Medicaid program.
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BENEFIT PERIOD
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A “benefit period” begins the day you go to a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF). The benefit period ends when you haven’t received any hospital care (or skilled care in a SNF) for 60 days in a row. If you go into a hospital or a SNF after one benefit period has ended, a new benefit period begins. You must pay the inpatient hospital deductible for each benefit period. There is no limit to the number of benefit periods.
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Page Last Updated: March 27, 2008
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