Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Coverage — SNF coverage
Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility after a 3-day inpatient hospital stay. Days 21–100 cost $217/day in 2026.
Official source: medicare.gov
Medicare Part A pays for short-term skilled nursing facility, or SNF, care after a qualifying hospital stay. It is meant for rehabilitation and skilled medical care, not long-term custodial help with bathing or dressing.
To qualify, you must spend at least three consecutive days as a formal inpatient in a hospital before transferring to the SNF. Time spent under observation status does not count, even if you sleep in a hospital bed for several nights. Always ask whether you are admitted as an inpatient.
Coverage tiers in 2026: Days 1 through 20 cost you $0. Days 21 through 100 cost $217 per day in coinsurance, which many Medigap plans cover in full. Beginning on day 101 you pay the full cost, which often runs $300 to $500 or more per day.
You must need daily skilled nursing or therapy services such as IV medications, wound care, or physical therapy. Once your need drops to custodial care only, Medicare coverage ends.
After you have been out of a hospital or SNF for 60 days in a row, a new benefit period begins. That resets the 20 free days and the 100-day cap the next time you need skilled care.
In real life
- After a 4-day inpatient stay for a hip fracture, a Medicare beneficiary moves to a SNF for rehab. Medicare pays the first 20 days in full. From day 21 to discharge on day 35, they owe $217 per day, or about $3,255 total, unless Medigap pays the coinsurance.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Coverage
What is the 3-day rule for Medicare SNF coverage?+
You must be a formal hospital inpatient for at least three consecutive days before transferring to a skilled nursing facility for Medicare to cover the stay.
Does Medicare cover long-term nursing home care?+
No. Medicare only covers short-term skilled care up to 100 days per benefit period. Long-term custodial care is paid by Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or private funds.
How much does a SNF cost on Medicare in 2026?+
Days 1–20 are $0. Days 21–100 are $217 per day in coinsurance. After day 100 you pay 100% of the cost.
Does Medigap cover SNF coinsurance?+
Yes. Most Medigap plans, including Plan G and Plan N, pay the $217 per day SNF coinsurance for days 21–100.
Does observation status count toward the 3-day SNF requirement?+
No. Only days you are admitted as an inpatient count. Observation status does not qualify you for SNF coverage.
Source: medicare.gov