 |
|
|
|
Paying for Care |
| Home » Make Healthcare Choices » Paying for Care |
Most of us don't think about how to pay for nursing home care until the need arises. When you visit our nursing home, ask to speak with our admissions coordinator. She can help you determine which long-term care benefits your loved one will qualify for. Here are some options.
Medicare benefits are available to millions of Americans, including those over age 65 and some people under 65 who are disabled or suffer from permanent kidney failure. To qualify for Medicare, you must have a Medicare card that reads "hospital insurance" and must have spent a minimum of three consecutive days (not counting the day of discharge) in a hospital. The hospital stay must not have occurred more than 30 days prior to entering the nursing home. Further, a physician must certify that you need skilled nursing care on a continuing basis, and the need for skilled nursing care must relate to the reason for hospitalization.
Medicare Part A—For any eligible resident needing skilled nursing care, Medicare Part A coverage will pay for a semi-private room, meals, nursing services, rehabilitation services, medications, supplies and durable medical equipment for up to 100 days. For the first 20 days in a nursing home, Medicare covers 100 percent of skilled care. From Day 21 through Day 100, the resident must pay a daily co-insurance rate.
Medicare Part B—Residents who are eligible for the services covered under Medicare Part B will be responsible for an annual deductible plus 20 percent of the total charges for services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy, as well as medical supplies.
Medicaid is a state and federal program that will pay most nursing home costs for people with limited means. Eligibility requirements vary from state to state, but this is an option for eligible low-income patients in need of long-term nursing care. If you and your family have limited income and assets, you may qualify for assistance from Medicaid, and we can help you determine your eligibility.
Long-term care insurance is now available through many insurance companies and employers. Some military veterans qualify for government-funded long-term insurance. For more information, visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Web site.
Veterans benefits are available at some nursing homes through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Medicare http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicare/
Medicaid http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/
National Association of Insurance Commissioners http://www.naic.org/
Department of Veterans Affairs http://www.va.gov/
|
|