keeping the peace during a nursing home transition

Anyone recovering from a serious injury or debilitating condition might need to spend time in a convalescent home, also known as a skilled nursing facility. The patient will receive quality medical care on a 24-hour basis until they are well enough to return home. This type of care is expensive, however, and few people have the financial resources to pay the costs without assistance. This article takes a looks at two government programs, Medicare and Medicaid, that can help you with the expense of a stay at a convalescent home. 

Medicare

Medicare, which is the government health insurance program for those 65 or older, offsets the cost of convalescent care for eligible individuals under certain conditions. Medicare only pays for skilled nursing care, which consists of such services as physical and occupational therapy, as well as necessary tests and medications. It does not pay for long-term custodial care. Also, certain expenses not related to your care, such as television and telephone costs, are not covered. 

You must have recently been in the hospital and have your doctor verify that you require treatment in this type of environment. Your hospital stay must last at least 3 days and you must enter the facility within 30 days of being released from the hospital.  

Medicare will cover 100 percent of your cost for the first 20 days of skilled nursing care. After this, however, you will have a daily co-pay for  the next 80 days. Once your stay has lasted 100 days, your benefits will end, as the program does not cover any expenses past this period. 

Medicaid 

Medicaid is a means-based program administered at the state level. Your income and assets must be under certain limits to qualify. You must also be as least 65 or disabled. If are qualified to receive benefits, then the program pays for convalescent care as long as the facility involved has been approved as a Medicaid Nursing Facility, or NSF.  

Federal Medicaid regulations require that certain services, such as special rehabilitative treatment and standard nursing care, be covered. The program, however, may charge for other things, such as specially prepare foods and personal clothing, depending on the rules of each state. Check with your state Medicaid agency to learn exactly what services and amenities are covered. 

If you need temporary care at a convalescent home or skilled nursing facility, these two government programs may cover all or a large portion of your costs. Contact a convalescent home like Hilltop House for more information.