If your loved one needs rehabilitation services or skilled nursing, Medicare may pay for some of the costs. For your loved one to be covered, the services must be provided by a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility after your loved one has had a qualifying hospital stay of at least three days. Elder Care Direction can help you to learn more about Medicare and other potential sources to pay for your loved one’s care.
Care that is available
Medicare does not pay for long-term stays in regular nursing homes. The types of care that are available through Medicare at skilled nursing facilities include the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Intravenous medications
- Nursing help to help you to improve or maintain your condition
Rehabilitation and skilled nursing staff may include the following:
- Registered nurses
- Speech-language pathologists
- Vocation nurses and licensed practical nurses
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Audiologists
What types of nursing home care are paid by Medicare?
In order to receive Medicare coverage for skilled nursing care, you must meet the following conditions:
- Have Medicare Part A
- Have a qualifying hospital stay
- You are admitted to a skilled nursing facility within 30 days of leaving the hospital
- You have qualifying needs
- You need specialized services for intellectual disabilities or mental illness that are not paid for by your state
- Services are ordered by a doctor
- You need medical social services to help you cope
- You need education about how to use health care resources
As long as your doctor re-orders your services every 60 days, there is not a limit on how long you can receive them. For the initial 20 days, Medicare will pay 100 percent. From days 21 to 100, you will pay up to $140 per day, and Medicare will pay the balance. After 100 days, you will be responsible for all of the costs.
Medigap
A type of private health insurance, Medigap pays for gaps such as co-insurance and deductibles. It also might help to pay for your skilled nursing care.
Contact Elder Care Direction
There are special rules that apply when you have breaks in your stay in skilled nursing care. Elder Care Direction can help you to understand the rules and what Medicare might pay for. To learn more, contact Elder Care Direction today by filling out our contact form.