Skilled Nursing Facility Care

Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care is medical care and rehabilitation provided in a specialized facility after a hospital stay or serious illness. It's a step down from hospital care but a step up from what you'd receive at home, delivered by licensed nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other clinical staff.

Skilled nursing care is not the same as long-term care or custodial care. Skilled care involves active medical treatment, wound care, IV therapy, physical rehabilitation, or other services that require trained medical professionals. Custodial care (help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating) is generally not covered by health insurance.

ACA-compliant health plans cover skilled nursing facility care as part of your plan benefits, subject to your standard cost-sharing (deductible, copays, and coinsurance). Coverage usually kicks in after a qualifying hospital stay and is limited to a set number of days per benefit period. Your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage will specify the limits.

Medicare also covers skilled nursing facility care, up to 100 days per benefit period, following a qualifying three-day inpatient hospital stay. Days 1–20 are covered in full; days 21–100 require a daily coinsurance.

The most common scenario for SNF care is recovery after a major surgery (like hip replacement) or a serious medical event (like a stroke). During your stay, you receive around-the-clock medical supervision and rehabilitation services designed to help you recover enough to return home safely.