DOES MEDICARE PAY FOR SKILLED NURSING FACILITY CARE?
The answer is Yes,
but . . . . . . .
Medicare Part A is frequently referred to as (In Patient) Hospital Care.
Part A also provides coverage for care in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) but only “for a limited time (on a
short-term basis)” and under very specific conditions.
This topic seems to be coming up more frequently these days. Perhaps it’s because Health Systems are under some pressure – from CMS, if what I’m reading is accurate – to get patients out of the hospital. In many cases, before they’re ready or able to go home.
I yield therefore, to Medicare.gov HERE for an outline of SNF coverage terms and conditions.
The important distinction is that if you or a loved one someday need to reside in a Long-Term Care Facility (i.e., Nursing Home), those expenses will NOT meet Medicare’s definition of SNF Care.
P.S. What if you’re under age 65 and still covered by an Employer Sponsored or Individual
Health Plan?
Oh, shucks. I’m out of time. (Whaddaya ‘spect in 30 Seconds?)
Call your Agent!