What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?

A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a licensed facility providing short-term, medically intensive care — physical therapy, wound care, IV medication, and skilled nursing — usually after a hospital stay to help patients recover and return home. Medicare covers it for up to 100 days per benefit period. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).

Skilled nursing facilities provide post-surgical rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, IV medications, and monitoring of complex conditions — all delivered by licensed health professionals. The goal is recovery and return home rather than permanent residence. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for help understanding coverage.

A skilled nursing facility provides short-term medical and rehab care, often Medicare-covered. A nursing home provides long-term custodial care for residents living there indefinitely, paid by Medicaid or private funds. Many facilities are dual-certified and offer both. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) for clarity.

Yes, with conditions. After a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay, Medicare covers up to 100 days per benefit period — days 1-20 fully, days 21-100 with a daily coinsurance ($209.50 in 2025) that most Medigap plans cover. After 100 days you pay all costs. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).

Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care per benefit period, but coverage continues only while you need daily skilled care and are progressing. If skilled care is no longer needed, coverage may end sooner. You can stay longer by paying privately. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).