Medicare and Skilled Nursing Facility Care
Christine's Corner
A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) provides post‑hospital inpatient care for individuals who need ongoing medical supervision, rehabilitation, or support before they can safely return home. This level of care is more intensive than what is offered in traditional nursing homes and is specifically designed to help patients recover after a hospital stay. Because Medicare coverage for SNF services can be complex, it’s important to understand when and how those benefits apply. Christine has put together the information below to help patients and families make informed decisions during an already stressful time, ensuring they know what to expect and how to plan ahead.
Part A Medicare would cover your stay if:
- you were admitted as an inpatient to a hospital for at least 3 days in a row
- you enter a Medicare-certified SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital and you are treated for the same condition that you were treated for during your hospital stay
- you need skilled nursing care seven days per week or you need skilled therapy services at least 5 days per week
If you meet the requirements, Part A should cover SNF care to improve your condition, maintain your ability to function and to prevent your health from getting worse.
Note that the day you become an inpatient at the hospital counts toward your 3-day inpatient stay to qualify for Medicare covered SNF care. However, the day you are discharged from the hospital does not count toward your qualifying days.
SNF services covered by Medicare:
- A semi-private room and meals
- Skilled nursing care by nursing staff
- Therapy, like physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy
- Medical social services and dietary counseling
- Medications
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Ambulance transportation to the nearest prover of needed services, in some cases.
Part A covers the full cost of your first 20 days in a SNF. Part A covers part of the cost of days 21 through 100 and you pay a daily coinsurance.
If you still have questions, contact Christine Thompson for any Medicare-related questions or concerns. 618.457.5200 ext. 67856.