Medicare
Does Medicare pay for nursing home care?
Medicare covers a limited stay in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay, up to 100 days per benefit period, with coinsurance after day 20. It does not cover long-term custodial care.
What Medicare covers
- Skilled nursing care or rehabilitation after at least a three-day inpatient hospital stay.
- Days 1 to 20: generally no coinsurance.
- Days 21 to 100: a daily coinsurance applies.
- After day 100: Original Medicare pays nothing for the stay.
What it does not cover
Custodial care, such as help with bathing, dressing and eating when that is the main need, is not covered. People often pay for it with savings, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid once their assets are low.
Have this ready when you call
- Any recent hospital stay dates
- Whether the hospital called it inpatient or observation
- Your current plan
Common questions
Does the three-day rule apply to Advantage plans?
Some Advantage plans waive it. Ask your plan.
What if I am in observation for three days?
Observation does not count as inpatient time, which can affect skilled nursing coverage.
Related answers
Rather talk it through?
Call 855-367-1095 and a licensed agent will go through your situation with you. There is no charge to ask, and no obligation to enroll.
- Licensed insurance help
- No guaranteed eligibility, pricing, or availability
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GetFastRates.com is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Calling connects you with licensed insurance help. Plan availability, costs, benefits, and enrollment rules can vary by state, carrier, and individual situation.