Medicare covers skilled nursing facility (SNF) care in certain situations. SNF care includes care in Medicare-certified nursing homes and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Medicare will only cover SNF care if:

– You need skilled nursing care seven days a week or skilled therapy services at least five days a week;
– You were formally admitted as an inpatient to a hospital for at least three consecutive days;
– You enter a Medicare-certified SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital;
– You have Medicare Part A before you are discharged from the hospital; AND
– You need care that can only be provided in a SNF.

If you meet these requirements, Medicare should cover the skilled nursing facility care needed to improve your condition, maintain your ability to function, and/or help to prevent the worsening of your condition. Medicare only covers up to 100 days in a SNF per benefit period.