Nursing home care

Nursing homes are facilities for people who usually need 24-hour care. Nursing homes can provide: 

• Short-term care for people who need rehabilitation after surgery (like physical therapy after a hip or knee replacement) or skilled nursing to recover from an illness (like pneumonia)
• Long-term care (also called “custodial care” or “long-term services and support”) for people who need help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, or eating. Medicare generally doesn’t cover long-term nursing home stays, unless you’re receiving skilled nursing care.
   

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) may cover short-term nursing home or rehab care (up to 100 days) in a Medicare certified nursing home after hospitalization. It must be medically necessary for you to get skilled nursing care (like if you need help changing sterile dressings).

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits and physical, speech, or occupational therapy, even if you get these services while in a nursing home. 

If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) (like an HMO or PPO) or other Medicare health plan, check with your plan to see if it covers nursing home care. Usually, plans don't help pay for this care unless the nursing home has a contract with the plan. Ask your plan about nursing home coverage and check the facility’s quality ratings before you make any arrangements to enter a nursing home.