How Long Does Medicare Pay for Rehab?

Understand Medicare's rehab day limits and lower your costs with free help from 1-800-MEDIGAP.

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Quick answer

Medicare pays for skilled nursing rehab up to 100 days per benefit period - fully for days 1-20, then a daily coinsurance ($209.50 in 2025) for days 21-100. Inpatient rehab follows Part A hospital benefit-period limits. Outpatient therapy continues while medically necessary. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for details.

Worried about running out of Medicare rehab coverage? Here is exactly how long Medicare pays, by setting.

Skilled nursing rehab day limits

For skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehab, Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days per benefit period when you meet the rules, including a qualifying 3-day hospital stay. Medicare pays the full cost for days 1-20. For days 21-100, you owe a daily coinsurance - $209.50 in 2025 - unless a Medigap plan covers it. After day 100, Medicare stops paying until a new benefit period begins, which requires 60 days without inpatient or skilled care. To avoid surprise costs, call 1-800-MEDIGAP and a licensed agent will explain your coverage.

Inpatient and outpatient rehab limits

Inpatient rehabilitation facility care is paid under the Part A hospital benefit. Within one benefit period, Medicare fully covers days 1-60 after the deductible, then charges daily coinsurance for days 61-90, with 60 lifetime reserve days beyond that. Outpatient therapy under Part B has no hard day or dollar limit - Medicare keeps paying its share (you owe 20% after the deductible) as long as the therapy stays medically necessary and your provider documents it. A Medigap plan can cover much of this cost sharing - call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare plans.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Medicare pay for rehab?+

It depends on the setting. Skilled nursing rehab is covered up to 100 days per benefit period (free for days 1-20, coinsurance for 21-100). Inpatient rehab follows Part A hospital limits. Outpatient therapy continues while medically necessary. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for specifics.

How many days of skilled nursing rehab does Medicare cover?+

Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing rehab per benefit period when criteria are met - fully for days 1-20, then with a $209.50 daily coinsurance (2025) for days 21-100. After 100 days, coverage ends until a new benefit period begins.

What happens after Medicare rehab coverage runs out?+

Once you exceed the covered days, you pay the full cost yourself unless you have a Medigap plan, Medicaid, or other coverage. A new benefit period - and renewed coverage - begins after 60 days without inpatient or skilled care. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to plan ahead.

Is there a limit on outpatient physical therapy?+

No hard dollar cap exists anymore. Medicare Part B keeps paying its share of medically necessary outpatient therapy (you owe 20% after the deductible), but above a threshold your provider must document that continued therapy is needed. Coverage continues as long as it remains medically necessary.

How can I avoid paying rehab coinsurance?+

A Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan can cover the skilled nursing and hospital coinsurance Medicare leaves you, so you owe little or nothing for covered rehab days. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare Medigap plans available in your area and find one that fits your budget.

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