Managing your care at home after an inpatient hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF) stay can be confusing and difficult. Medicare Part B covers care coordination (also called transitional care management) if you need assistance organizing your care after leaving a facility, whether you were an inpatient or an outpatient.
Skilled nursing
Medicare and observation services
Observation services are short-term outpatient services received when you are in the hospital for monitoring purposes and/or to determine whether you should be admitted as an inpatient. It is important to know that if you are receiving observation services (sometimes referred to as under observation status), you have not been
Starting home health care
The process for starting the Medicare home health benefit changes depending on whether you are currently in a hospital or if you are already at home. Remember, in both cases you must meet the eligibility requirements and qualify for coverage under either Part A or Part B. If you are
Eligibility for home health (Part A or Part B)
You can receive home health care coverage under either Medicare Part A or Part B. Under Part B, you are eligible for home health care if you are homebound and need skilled care. There is no prior hospital stay requirement for Part B coverage of home health care. There is
Returning to a SNF after leaving
If you leave a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and return to that SNF or another one within 30 days, you do not need another three-day qualifying hospital stay. If you return after 30 days have passed, Medicare will not pay unless you have been in the hospital for another three-day
SNF care past 100 days
Medicare covers up to 100 days of care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) each benefit period. If you need more than 100 days of SNF care in a benefit period, you will need to pay out of pocket. If your care is ending because you are running out of
SNF costs and coverage
During a Medicare-covered skilled nursing facility (SNF) stay, Part A covers: A semi-private room and meals Skilled nursing care provided by nursing staff Therapy, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy Medical social services and dietary counseling Medications Medical equipment and supplies Ambulance transportation to the nearest provider of
SNF basics
Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care is post-hospital care provided at a SNF. Skilled nursing care includes services such as administration of medications, tube feedings, and wound care. Keep in mind that SNFs can be part of nursing homes or hospitals. Medicare Part A may cover your SNF care if: You
Skilled nursing facility (SNF) services
Skilled nursing facility (SNF) services SNF basics SNF costs and coverage SNF care past 100 days Returning to a SNF after leaving
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Medicare will not cover the cost of your stay if you need additional days in a SNF or otherwise need long-term care (LTC) in a facility (such as an assisted living facility). If you have significant
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