- Skilled nursing care is a type of medical care that is provided by licensed nurses or other healthcare professionals. This type of care is typically provided to individuals who need a higher level of care than can be provided at home, but who do not need to be hospitalized.
- In the context of Medicare, skilled nursing care is covered under Original Medicare (consisting of Part A and Part B) when it is medically necessary and is ordered by a healthcare provider. To be eligible for Medicare coverage of skilled nursing care, the individual must meet certain eligibility requirements, including the following:
- The individual must have been hospitalized for at least three consecutive days (not counting the day of discharge).
- The skilled nursing care must be ordered by a doctor.
- The skilled nursing care must be provided by a Medicare approved facility.
- The skilled nursing care must be medically necessary.
- Under Original Medicare, beneficiaries are generally required to pay a copayment or coinsurance for skilled nursing care. The amount of the copayment or coinsurance depends on the specific service and the setting in which it is provided.
- In addition to the skilled nursing care covered under Original Medicare, some Medicare Advantage plans (private health insurance plans that are an alternative to Original Medicare) may also cover additional skilled nursing care. It’s important for beneficiaries to understand the terms of their Medicare Advantage plan and to discuss their skilled nursing care needs with their healthcare provider.
- Overall, skilled nursing care is a type of medical care that is provided by licensed nurses or other healthcare professionals. This type of care is covered under Original Medicare when it is medically necessary and is ordered by a healthcare provider. It’s important for beneficiaries to understand their coverage and to discuss their skilled nursing care needs with their healthcare provider.
