A University of Alabama Law School Clinical Program funded in part by West Alabama Regional Commission

Limited Long-term Care After Hospitalization

Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare does not generally cover long term care. However, in a few cases Medicare covers rehabilitative care in a skilled care facility. If - and only if- a beneficiary is in the hospital at least three days (not counting the day of discharge), is discharged to a skilled care facility from the hospital, and the treating physician certifies that skilled care is needed, Medicare will pay all costs for the first 20 days. If the doctor certifies that further skilled care is required, Medicare will pay part of up to another 80 days, but there is a co-payment of $133.50 a day (in 2009). This is as much as most nursing homes charge in Alabama. (Most nursing home residents move to a nursing facility from home.) Where it applies, though, this is an excellent benefit, and nursing homes love to see these patients.

Medicare also pays for post-hospital home health care in appropriate cases. A doctor must certify the need for home health care, and services must be provided by a certified home health care provider, under a plan of care ordered and supervised by a doctor. 100 visits are covered under Part A. If needed and authorized, additional visits may be approved under Part B.

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