Medicare Basics

Medicare Part A is the portion of Medicare that covers hospital insurance. This includes coverage for skilled nursing care provided in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) under certain conditions, for a limited time.

To be eligible for Medicare Part A coverage for skilled nursing care in a SNF, the following conditions must be met:

1. The individual must have Medicare Part A and have days left in their benefit period to use.
2. The individual must have had a qualifying hospital stay of at least three consecutive days and must enter the SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
3. The individual's doctor must have determined that they require daily skilled care, which must be given by or under the supervision of skilled nursing or therapy staff.
4. The skilled services must be provided in a SNF that is certified by Medicare.
5. The skilled services must be for a medical condition that is either a hospital-related medical condition or a condition that started while the individual was receiving care in the skilled nursing facility for a hospital-related medical condition.

It's important to note that Medicare Part A coverage for skilled nursing care in a SNF is generally limited to a maximum of 100 days per benefit period. After that, the individual is responsible for paying for their own care.