Glossary
Benefit Period (Part A)
The Part A timeframe used to measure hospital deductibles and coinsurance — it resets after 60 days out of the hospital.
Quick answer
A Part A benefit period begins the day you're admitted as a hospital inpatient and ends when you've been out of the hospital (and not received skilled care) for 60 consecutive days. You owe one Part A deductible per benefit period — not per year.
Why it matters
If you're hospitalized multiple times in a year with more than 60 days between admissions, you could owe multiple deductibles. TFL helps cover them.
When you'll encounter it
Every inpatient hospital admission.
Impact on Medicare
Triggers the Part A deductible and the day-by-day coinsurance schedule.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
TFL typically picks up the deductible and coinsurance for TRICARE-covered inpatient services.
Common misconceptions
- "There's one Part A deductible per year." — It's per benefit period, not per calendar year.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- What is Medicare? A complete overview for retired militaryA plain-English, handbook-grounded overview of the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, written specifically for retired service members and their families.
- Understanding Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for veteransExactly what Part A and Part B cover, what they cost in 2026, and why both are required to keep TRICARE For Life.
- Enrolling in Medicare: timing, methods, and the military-specific rulesWhen and how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B — and the timing that protects your TRICARE For Life activation.
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME)Medically necessary, reusable equipment for home use — covered by Part B at 80% after the deductible.
- IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)An income-based surcharge added to your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums when your modified adjusted gross income exceeds CMS thresholds.
- Late Enrollment Penalty (Part B and Part D)A permanent monthly surcharge added to your Part B (10% per 12 months delayed) or Part D (1% per month delayed) premium for as long as you have Medicare.
- Limiting ChargeThe maximum a non-participating Medicare provider may charge — 115% of the Medicare non-PAR approved amount.
- Medicare AssignmentA provider's agreement to accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment for a covered service.
- Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)State-administered programs that help pay Part B premiums (and sometimes deductibles and copays) for beneficiaries with limited income — including QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI.
- Medicare-Participating ProviderA provider who has signed an agreement to always accept Medicare assignment for every covered service.
- Non-Participating ProviderA provider who treats Medicare patients but has not agreed to always accept assignment — and may charge up to 15% above Medicare's approved amount.
- How much does Medicare Part B cost?Most people pay the standard Part B premium (roughly $202.90/month in 2026). Higher-income retirees pay IRMAA on top. Lower-income retirees may qualify for help paying it.
- I'm turning 65. What should I do first?About 3 months before your 65th birthday, sign up for Medicare Parts A and B at SSA.gov. TRICARE For Life activates automatically once both are effective and DEERS is current.
- Do I need Medicare Part A if I have TRICARE?Yes. TFL requires Part A and Part B. Part A is typically premium-free if you or your spouse worked 40+ quarters paying Medicare taxes.
- Can I take Part A now and add Part B later?You can — but for TFL purposes, that's the same as not enrolling. TFL requires both A and B simultaneously. Without B, TFL is suspended.
- Do I need to cancel TRICARE Prime or Select when I turn 65?No. Prime and Select end automatically when you become Medicare-eligible. You don't have to take any action — and your Prime enrollment fee withholding stops.
Related glossary terms
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.