Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps cover some medical services in nursing homes and hospitals. However, there are limitations to
Here’s a closer look at Medicare coverage for nursing homes and hospital stays.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps cover some medical services in nursing homes and hospitals. However, there are limitations to
Here’s a closer look at Medicare coverage for nursing homes and hospital stays.
Medicare Part A may provide coverage for skilled nursing facility (SNF) care that’s medically necessary (for example, changing sterile dressings). But it usually won’t cover services that help with daily living activities, such as getting dressed, preparing meals, eating or going to the bathroom.
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Medicare Supplement plans do not provide for any long-term care in a nursing home. Some plans may, however, provide limited coverage of Original Medicare copays for care in a skilled nursing facility for days 21 through 100 after a hospital stay.
At a nursing home, the care is typically more long-term. Licensed practical nurses or nurse aides help residents with daily life functions, such as bathing, dressing or eating. This care is meant for patients who may not be able to live comfortably on their own due to chronic conditions.
At a skilled nursing facility (SNF), care is usually provided by registered nurses under the supervision of a doctor. Generally, patients will go to a skilled nursing facility for recovery after an injury, sickness or surgery. The care is usually meant to be temporary, with patients returning home once they are able. Medicare Part A may help cover SNF care in certain conditions for a limited time if all of these conditions are met:2
According to a 2023 survey,3 the median cost (meaning half cost more and half cost less) of a semi-private room in a nursing home per month is $8,669. For a private room, the monthly cost is $9,733.
Medicare Part A may pay for medical services at a long-term care facility for up to 100 days. After this period, Medicare may still be used to cover some treatments, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy or speech-language pathology. However, Medicare won’t cover room and board after 100 days.3
If you need coverage beyond 100 days of skilled nursing care, or if you need help with the cost of nursing home care, you may have other options:
If you need long-term care, or you’re planning ahead, you may have options available. Talk to family, your doctor or a counselor for help choosing the best option for you.
Medicare does not pay for long-term care for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia. As with any other illness, coverage for stays in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility is generally limited to 100 days.4
Medicare Part A will cover
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