For how long does Medicare cover skilled nursing services with no cost-sharing following a patient's hospital stay?

Medicare covers skilled nursing services without cost-sharing for a specific duration after a patient has been discharged from a hospital. The correct duration is 20 days. This coverage applies when the patient has spent at least three consecutive days in the hospital before being admitted to a skilled nursing facility.

During this initial period, Medicare pays for all costs associated with skilled nursing care, which includes room and board, skilled nursing services, and rehabilitation therapy. This provision is designed to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation after a hospital stay, ensuring that patients have access to necessary care without incurring out-of-pocket expenses during this critical time.

It's important to note that after the first 20 days, if the patient requires continued skilled nursing care, Medicare begins to charge a daily copayment for the next 80 days, up to a total of 100 days of coverage for skilled nursing services. If the patient no longer qualifies for skilled nursing or has not met the necessary criteria, additional services may not be covered. This structured approach to coverage helps manage healthcare costs while still providing vital support for patients transitioning from hospital to home or to lower levels of care.