How many days of skilled nursing facility care will Medicare cover benefits?

Medicare provides coverage for skilled nursing facility (SNF) care under certain conditions, specifically after a qualifying hospital stay. The correct answer reflects that Medicare covers up to 100 days of SNF care in a benefit period, which includes coverage of the first 20 days fully and partial coverage for the remaining days.

This coverage is crucial for beneficiaries who require additional recovery time after a hospital stay, particularly for rehabilitative services. The first 20 days do not require any out-of-pocket coinsurance, while days 21 through 100 require a daily coinsurance amount, which is defined annually and varies based on the cost-sharing rules established by Medicare.

Understanding the framework of Medicare coverage for skilled nursing facilities is important for patients and their families, as these benefits can significantly alleviate financial burdens during recovery periods. It also emphasizes the importance of meeting the criteria for hospital admission and qualifying conditions prescribed by Medicare to access these benefits effectively.