Enrolled Agent-licensed to practice before the IRS, Samuel N Smith, EA, South Carolina
The coverage depends on if you are covered by Original Medicare(PartA &B) abd then you would typically also have a medicare supplement plus PartD coverage, or if you are covered by a Medicare AdvantAGE PLAN. Under original medicare you have to be hospitalized for three days and then admitted to the skilled nursing facility. It is important that this coverage is not available for CUSTODIAL CARE. Assuming the doctor certifies that skilled nursing care is needed medicare pays all costs for days 1 - 20. For days 21-100 there is a copay of $148 for 2013 and then changes to $152 for 2014. After 100 days you will realize why having a Medicare Supplement is so important and you need to understand the coverage limit of the policy you choose.
With Medicare Advantage you are not required to be hospitalized for three days before being admitted to the Skilled Nursing Facility
Medicare will pay for a limited time of skilled nursing care if it is medically qualified. I.e. You must be hospitalized for at least 3 consecutive days for the same condition that causes you to need skilled nursing care, and the hospitalization must be within 30 days of your being admitted into the nursing home. Also, your doctor must stipulate that you need skilled nursing care.
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With Medicare Advantage you are not required to be hospitalized for three days before being admitted to the Skilled Nursing Facility