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.
What is it?
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 does it matter?
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.
Related glossary terms
Official sources
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.