Final answer:
It is false that there is a lifetime limit on the number of benefit periods for an eligible Medicare beneficiary. Medicare Part A does have limits on covered hospital days per benefit period, but not on the total number of benefit periods. The elderly population's growth underscores Medicare's importance in healthcare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that there is a limit to the number of benefit periods an eligible Medicare beneficiary may have during their lifetime is false. Medicare provides health insurance for those 65 and older, as well as for some younger individuals with disabilities. While some programs, like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), have limits on benefits as mentioned in the 1994 Contract with America, Medicare does not have a lifetime limit on benefit periods. However, in the context of inpatient hospital care, Medicare Part A has a limit on the number of covered days per benefit period, but there is not a lifetime cap on the number of benefit periods a person can have.
With Medicare's coverage, it's important to understand that there are different parts to the program, each covering specific types of services. There are specific rules and costs associated with each part, and understanding these can help beneficiaries make the most of their healthcare coverage. As the elderly population continues to grow, Medicare's role in the healthcare system becomes even more significant, as does the consideration of how it is funded and administered.