What do skilled nursing facilities or Medicare certified facilities provide under Medicare part?

Skilled nursing facilities, which are certified to participate in Medicare, primarily provide their services under Medicare Part A. This part covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. For patients who qualify, Medicare Part A is designed to cover medically necessary care following a hospital stay, including services such as skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and certain ancillary services.

In the context of skilled nursing facilities, benefits under Part A typically include coverage for a limited number of days in a skilled nursing facility after hospitalization. It’s important that the patient meets specific criteria, such as having been hospitalized for at least three consecutive days and being admitted to a skilled nursing facility within a certain timeframe after discharge from the hospital. This ensures that the care provided is necessary and appropriate for the patient's recovery.

Other Medicare parts serve different purposes: Part B covers outpatient services and preventive care, Part C (Medicare Advantage) consists of plans offered by private companies that include both Part A and Part B benefits, and Part D provides prescription drug coverage. However, for skilled nursing facilities directly, Medicare Part A is the relevant component.