“Skilled nursing facility” is often shortened to SNF—pronounced like “sniff.” SNF care is post-hospital inpatient care. SNFs can be their own facilities, or they can be part of nursing homes or hospitals.
Who is eligible?
Medicare Part A may cover your SNF stay if all apply to you:
- You were admitted as an inpatient to a hospital for at least three days in a row
- You enter a Medicare-certified SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
- You receive care for the same condition that you were treated for during your hospital stay.
- You need skilled nursing care seven days per week, or you need skilled therapy services at least five days per week.
What SNF care does Medicare cover?
- A semi-private room and meals
- Skilled nursing care by nursing staff
- Therapy, like physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy
- Medical social services and dietary counseling
- Medications
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Ambulance transportation to the nearest provider of needed services, in some cases
What will SNF care cost me?
Each benefit period:
- Days 1-20: Part A covers the full cost.
- Days 21-100: Part A covers part of the cost, and you pay a daily coinsurance.
- Past day 100: You pay out of pocket.
What’s a benefit period?
A benefit period begins the day you are admitted to a hospital or SNF as an inpatient. It ends the day you have been out for 60 days in a row. You can again become eligible for Medicare coverage of your SNF care once you’ve been out of the hospital or SNF for 60 days in a row. You will then be eligible for a new benefit period, including 100 new days of SNF care, after a three-day qualifying inpatient stay.
Where can I get more help?
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- Speak to your doctor or hospital discharge planner if you need help finding a Medicare-certified SNF.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact the plan to learn which SNFs are in their network. Also ask about the plan’s specific costs and coverage rules for inpatient care.
- Contact your ASR Agent, Medicare or local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for help understanding your SNF coverage.
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Contact Information
1-800-386-6160 (TTY 771) | medicare@asrconnect.com | Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM PT
Disclaimer
This content was created and copyrighted by Medicare Rights Center ©2025. Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities. These material are presented here with support from American Senior Resources (ASR) and may not be distributed, modified or edited without Medicare Rights’ consent.