What type of care does Medicare Part A cover up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility?

Medicare Part A provides coverage for skilled nursing facility care, which is primarily designed for patients requiring short-term rehabilitation or skilled nursing services following a hospital stay. This coverage is specifically available for up to 100 days per benefit period, providing a safety net for individuals recovering from medical events such as surgeries or serious illnesses.

During this stay, beneficiaries receive care from skilled nursing staff as well as other therapeutic services that are medically necessary to facilitate recovery. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other specialized medical treatments. The intent of this coverage is to support individuals who need time to regain their strength and health in a professional care environment after being discharged from a hospital, rather than for long-term residency or custodial care.

Other options do not fit within the scope of what Medicare Part A covers in this context. For example, inpatient rehabilitation typically refers to more intensive rehabilitation settings that may not be directly covered under the skilled nursing facility provisions of Medicare. Long-term care is generally associated with ongoing care in nursing homes or assisted living, which Medicare does not cover. Home health care involves services delivered at home and is covered under different sections of Medicare. Consequently, skilled nursing facility care is the clear focus of Medicare Part A for this specific duration and type of care