Skilled nursing facility care

Medicare Coverage Information

Overview

Medicare provides coverage for skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, helping patients receive specialized medical care and rehabilitation services. Coverage is typically limited to a specific number of days and requires meeting certain medical necessity criteria.

  • Requires a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay before admission
  • Covered under Medicare Part A
  • Limited to 100 days of care per benefit period
  • Must be medically necessary skilled care
  • First 20 days are covered at 100%, days 21-100 require coinsurance
  • Medicare Part A beneficiaries
  • Patients with a qualifying 3-day hospital inpatient stay
  • Those requiring skilled nursing or rehabilitation services
  • $0 copay for first 20 days
  • $204.50 daily coinsurance for days 21-100 (2024 rates)
  • Patient responsible for full cost after 100 days
  • Must follow a qualifying hospital stay within 30 days of discharge
  • Care must be deemed medically necessary
  • Limited to 100 days per benefit period
  • Requires ongoing skilled nursing or rehabilitation services
  • Confirm coverage with your specific Medicare plan
  • Obtain a referral from your hospital discharge planner
  • Verify the skilled nursing facility accepts Medicare
  • Contact 1-800-MEDICARE for detailed coverage information
Last updated: 6/15/2025

Quick Information

Provider
Medicare
Last Updated
6/15/2025
Topics
Medicare skilled nursing facilitySNF coverageMedicare post-hospital carenursing home benefitsMedicare Part A skilled nursing

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Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coverage Explained