What is the maximum duration of inpatient hospital costs Mr. Patel will have to cover under Medicare?

Under Medicare, the coverage for inpatient hospital services is structured with specific limits and cost-sharing guidelines. For Mr. Patel, Medicare Part A generally covers inpatient hospital stays for a period of up to 90 days per benefit period, with specific cost-sharing implications after the initial days.

The correct answer indicates that he will pay coinsurance for hospital stays after 90 days, which aligns with the Medicare policy where after the first 60 days of hospitalization, there is a designated coinsurance amount that the patient must cover for days 61 to 90. Beyond 90 days, the individual would be responsible for all costs unless a new benefit period begins, which resets the coverage.

Understanding this structure helps clarify why the other options do not accurately reflect Medicare’s terms. There isn't an unlimited coverage duration for chronic conditions, nor is there a provision where he must pay all costs after just 30 days. Additionally, while the first 120 days might seem like a long period, costs are not completely covered during that entire timeframe—only specific rules pertain to the first 60 days without coinsurance. Hence, the maximum duration requiring Mr. Patel to contribute coinsurance accurately identifies Medicare's coverage policies.