When does Medicare Part A cover the stay in a skilled nursing facility?
Residents must have a Medicare card that reads “Hospital Insurance” and must have spent a minimum of three consecutive nights in a hospital no more than 30 days before entering a skilled nursing facility. A physician must also certify that the resident needs “skilled” care on a continuing basis. During the first 20 days of care, Medicare will pay 100%. For days 21-100, a daily co-insurance rate will be due as determined by Medicare. For a stay longer than 100 days, Medicare will no longer pay for skilled nursing.
