Definition. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation care, often after a hospital stay. Original Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days per benefit period after a qualifying inpatient stay of at least three days. It doesn't cover long-term custodial care.
What it means
Original Medicare covers SNF care when:
- You had a qualifying inpatient hospital stay of at least three days in a row (observation days and the discharge day don't count).
- You enter a Medicare-certified SNF, generally within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
- Your doctor orders daily skilled care, such as nursing or therapy, for a condition treated in the hospital or that started while you were in the SNF.
In 2026 you pay nothing for days 1 to 20 and $217 a day for days 21 to 100. After day 100 in a benefit period, Medicare pays nothing. Help with bathing, dressing and eating alone (custodial care) isn't covered.
In Oregon
If you disagree with a notice that your covered SNF care is ending, call Oregon's BFCC-QIO, Acentra Health, at 1-888-305-6759 (TTY 1-855-843-4776) by noon of the day before the end date on the notice. For long-term care, Oregon's Medicaid program covers nursing facility and in-home services for people who qualify; contact ODHS Aging and People with Disabilities at 1-855-673-2372. See the Medicare appeals guide.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Skilled nursing facility care
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
- CMS — Beneficiary and Family Centered Care QIOs
- Oregon Department of Human Services — Aging and Disability Services
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover long-term nursing home care?
No. Medicare covers skilled care for a limited time, up to 100 days per benefit period. Long-term custodial care can be covered by Medicaid for people who qualify; in Oregon, ODHS Aging and People with Disabilities handles Medicaid long-term care.
What can I do if the facility says Medicare will stop covering my stay?
You should get a Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage at least two days before services end. To ask for a fast appeal, call Oregon's quality improvement organization, Acentra Health, at 1-888-305-6759 no later than noon of the day before the date on the notice.
Do Medicare Advantage plans require a three-day hospital stay?
Not always. Medicare Advantage plans must cover skilled nursing care, but some waive the three-day stay; they may require prior authorization and use their own network and cost-sharing. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage.
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