Question

Mr. Patel is in good health and is preparing a budget in anticipation of his retirement when he turns 66. He wants to understand the health care costs he might be exposed to under Medicare if he were to require hospitalization as a result of an illness. In general terms, what could you tell him about his costs for inpatient hospital services under Original Medicare?
a. Under Original Medicare, the inpatient hospital co-payment is a percentage of allowed charges. The percentage increases after 60 days and again after 90 days.
b. Under Original Medicare, if the inpatient hospital service is provided by a participating Medicare provider, the co-payment is waived. Co-payments are only charged when a beneficiary opts to receive care from a non-participating provider.
c. Under Original Medicare, there is a single deductible amount due for the first 60 days of any inpatient hospital stay, after which it converts into a per-day amount through day 90. After day 90, he would pay a daily amount up to 60 days over his lifetime, after which he would be responsible for all costs
d. Under Original Medicare, the inpatient hospital co-payment is a flat per-day amount that remains the same throughout the first 60 days of a beneficiary’s stay. After day 60 the amount gradually increases until day 90. After 90 days he would pay the full amount of all costs.

Answer 1

Answer:

c. Under Original Medicare, there is a single deductible amount due for the first 60 days of any inpatient hospital stay, after which it converts into a per-day amount through day 90. After day 90, he would pay a daily amount up to 60 days over his lifetime, after which he would be responsible for all costs.