Definition. A one-time supply of 60 additional days of inpatient hospital coverage under Original Medicare Part A, available after day 90 of a benefit period. Once used, they don't come back.
What it means
In each benefit period, Part A covers up to 90 inpatient hospital days: days 1 to 60 after the deductible, and days 61 to 90 at $434 a day in 2026. If you need more, you can use lifetime reserve days at $868 a day. After those are gone, you pay all costs for further days in that benefit period.
Every Medigap plan letter pays the Part A hospital coinsurance, including lifetime reserve days, and covers up to 365 more hospital days after Medicare coverage ends. Medicare Advantage plans set their own hospital cost sharing.
Sources
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
- Medicare.gov — Medicare costs
- Medicare.gov — Choosing a Medigap policy (PDF)
Frequently asked questions
Do lifetime reserve days renew?
No. You have 60 for your lifetime. Unlike the 90 regular days, they don't reset with a new benefit period.
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