What is Medicare's 3-day rule for skilled nursing?
Short answer: Medicare covers skilled nursing facility care only after a "qualifying inpatient hospital stay": at least 3 days in a row as an inpatient, not counting the day you leave. Time under observation doesn't count as inpatient.
The other conditions
- You have Part A with days left in your benefit period
- You enter the SNF within a short time (generally 30 days) of leaving the hospital
- Your doctor says you need daily skilled care
- The SNF is Medicare-certified
Source: Medicare.gov. Tip: ask the hospital directly whether your loved one is admitted as an inpatient or held "under observation."
General information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the official source.
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