In the past, a doctor had to assert that a patient would improve to be eligible for skilled nursing care and rehab through Medicare. Now patients will be eligible for the Medicare benefit even if the care only helps maintain health status, not improve it.
Medicare only provides coverage for skilled care for up to 100 days and only after a hospital stay, after which it becomes the patient’s responsibility to continue paying for care out-of-pocket.
Medicare does not pay for long term care at home, in assisted living, or in a skilled nursing facility.
READ MORE: Medicare Settlement Does Not Expand Long-Term Care Benefits.
