Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors and individuals with disabilities, plays a vital role in ensuring access to healthcare services. However, many people are surprised to learn that Medicare stops paying for long-term care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after a specific period. This can be a stressful time for families, raising questions about how to maintain their loved one's quality of life and secure the appropriate level of care once Medicare coverage ends.

Understanding Medicare Coverage for Skilled Nursing Care

While Medicare doesn't cover custodial care, which encompasses assistance with daily living activities (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and eating, it can provide short-term coverage for skilled nursing services under specific circumstances. This skilled nursing care typically involves:

• Physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility

• Occupational therapy to relearn daily living skills

• Speech therapy to improve communication abilities

Medicare coverage for skilled nursing care like physical occupational and speech therapy is limited to a maximum of 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay. To qualify, the hospital stay must be medically necessary for at least three consecutive days (not counting the day of discharge). Additionally, a doctor must determine that the skilled nursing care is necessary and that the patient requires daily skilled therapy services to improve their condition.

This means Medicare will only cover a portion of the costs associated with a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility, but not typically a long term nursing home. Here's a typical breakdown:

• Days 1-20: Medicare pays for 100% of the covered services after a deductible.

• Days 21-100: Medicare pays for 80% of the covered services, and the beneficiary is responsible for a daily co-payment amount (which can change annually).

Planning for When Medicare Stops Paying (Or Never Pays)

Knowing that Medicare coverage for a skilled nursing facility is limited, it's crucial to plan ahead to cover the costs of long term care. Here are additional options:

Long-Term Care Insurance:

This type of insurance can help cover the costs of long-term care, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and even in-home care. While premiums can be expensive, long-term care insurance can provide valuable financial security.

Medicaid

This joint federal and state program can help low-income individuals pay for long-term care, including nursing home stays. We recommend reaching out to a Medicaid case manager with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) (https://www.usaging.org/) to see if your loved one can qualify for medicaid.

If they do qualify for Medicaid, they may be eligible to utilize a program that allows them to hire a family or friend to provide care for them in the comfort of their own home.

These programs can be a significant financial help for families, as a growing number of states offer them. According to a 2023 study by the AARP, over 2 million Americans are currently being cared for at home by a family member who is paid through a Medicaid program.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans may be eligible for long-term care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can cover the cost of care in a VA nursing home or provide financial assistance for in-home care. (https://www.va.gov/)

Exploring Senior Living Options Beyond Skilled Nursing Facilities

While skilled nursing facilities provide a specific type of care, other senior living options may be suitable depending on your loved one's needs and preferences. Here's a look at some alternatives:

• Assisted Living Facilities: These facilities offer a residential setting with assistance with ADLs, medication management, and meals. Some assisted living facilities may also offer limited skilled nursing services.

• Home Health Care: This is a service where medical professionals, such as nurses and therapists, visit your loved one in their home to provide assistance with medical care, personal care, and therapy services.

• Independent Living Communities: These communities offer senior housing with amenities and social activities but don't provide medical or personal care.

The Importance of Proactive Planning

Having open and honest conversations with your loved one about their future care needs is essential. Understanding their preferences and planning ahead financially can help ensure a smooth transition when Medicare coverage for skilled nursing care ends.

By exploring all the available options, including family caregiving programs offered through Medicaid and the VA, you can create a care plan that allows your loved one to maintain their dignity and independence while minimizing financial strain on the family.

To learn more about Paid Family Caregiver Programs, you can start by checking your eligibility at Paid.care