Medicare.gov

Swing bed services

Medicare covers swing bed services, which are skilled nursing facility (SNF) services you get in certain Medicare hospitals

Description

Swing bed services are provided when a hospital or critical access hospital with a Medicare agreement “swings” its beds and provides either acute hospital or SNF-level care, as needed.

Costs

When swing beds provide skilled nursing facility (SNF) -level care, the same coverage and cost-sharing rules apply as though the SNF provided the services.

Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.

Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.

Specific amounts you could owe depend on:

  • Other insurance you may have

  • How much your doctor charges

  • If your doctor accepts assignment

  • The type of facility

  • Where you get your test, item, or service