For Consumers

Benefit period for hospitalization and skilled nursing facility care

If you receive a Medicare-covered service as an inpatient in a qualified hospital (www.medicare.gov) or in another facility that provides skilled nursing or rehab services (www.medicare.gov), learn when your benefit period starts and ends.

Benefit period start date

Your benefit period starts the first day you receive your Medicare-covered service. Not every hospital qualifies, check your eligibility.

Benefit period end date

Your benefit period ends after you:

  • Receive 60 consecutive days of care
  • Stay 60 consecutive days in a facility other than a hospital without receiving skilled care
  • Leave the hospital or other facility where you received skilled nursing or rehab services for 60 consecutive days

When does your benefit period restart?

If you enter a hospital again after 60 days, a new benefit period starts.