If you’re faced with the difficult decision of placing a loved one in assisted living, you may be wondering if Medicare will help cover some of the costs. The good news is that, depending on the circumstances, Medicare can provide some assistance. This article will give you an overview of what to expect when it comes to coverage for nursing home care.
Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living are two options, but what are they?
A skilled nursing facility is a place where people can get nursing care and therapy after they’ve been in the hospital. These facilities are also called nursing homes. Most skilled nursing facilities have a special unit for people who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. This type of care is sometimes called custodial care.
An assisted living facility is a housing option for people who need help with some activities of daily living, like cooking and housekeeping, but don’t need the intense level of care that skilled nursing facilities provide. These facilities usually provide transportation, social activities, and help with medications. Some assisted living facilities have special units for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
Medicare coverage for skilled nursing facility care and assisted living facility care is different. Here’s an overview:
Skilled Nursing Facility Care
– Part A (hospital insurance) will pay for a limited time of skilled nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three days.
– Part B (medical insurance) will pay for some of the costs for doctor’s services, x-rays, and lab tests; physical and occupational therapy; and some other services while you’re a patient in a skilled nursing facility.
Assisted Living Facility Care
– Part B (medical insurance) will pay for some doctor’s services, preventive services, and other outpatient care while you live in an assisted living facility.
Medicare provides some coverage for both skilled nursing facility care and assisted living facility care. However, there are still some costs that you will be responsible for. If you have questions about your specific situation, it’s best to contact a Medicare representative to get more information.
