My MIL was in the hospital for a UTI. She was taken from the hospital to rehab to strengthen her legs. We were told she might be there for about 21 days or possibly longer. No LTC yet just hospital stay and rehab. Social worker is leading us to believed she is fully covered for 100 days a year but now I'm reading only 100% for first 20 days then they pay only 50%. Is that true is the social worker giving us the wrong information? Anyone?
Medicare Part A covers care in a hospital rehab unit. Medicare may pay for rehab in a skilled nursing facility in some cases.
After you have been in a hospital for at least 3 days, Medicare will pay for inpatient rehab for up to 100 days in a benefit period. A benefit period starts when you go into the hospital. It ends when you have not received any hospital care or skilled nursing care for 60 days.
Medicare pays for the first 20 days at 100%. For the next 80 days, you must pay a daily co-payment. Medicare does not pay for rehab after 100 days.
If you go into the hospital for at least 3 days after one benefit period has ended, a new benefit period starts. You can have as many benefit periods as you need.
For more information, call Medicare toll-free at 1-800-638-6833.
Does your MIL have a supplement plan to her Medicare? Check to see if they pay the copay after the first 20 days. My mother’s did.