Medicare covers some skilled care in an approved skilled nursing facility.
	A minimum three-day prior hospital stay is required.
	The patient must enter a facility within 30 days after discharge from a hospital.
	The patient must continue to show improvement.

Medicare in a Home Setting

	The patient must be confined to home and under a doctor's care.
	Covers part-time skilled nursing care or physical therapy, speech-language therapy and home health aid services.
	The patient's condition must continually improve.

Examples of skilled care:

	Short-term IVs or tubing
	Physical or speech therapy
	Dressing bed sores

Examples of non-skilled care:

	Oxygen or respiratory therapy
	Colostomy drain
	Catheter maintenance
	Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, transferring and continence

What does Medicare pay when parameters are met*?

Time Period Individual Pays Medicare Pays 0 to 20 days $0 All Costs 21 to 100 days First $114 Above $114 Over 100 days All Costs $0

*Figures for 2005

Medicare guidelines vary by state. Contact your local Medicare office for details.

For more information regarding benefits provided by Medicare or Medicaid, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site.