Many elderly individuals rely upon Medicare to assist in
paying for their healthcare costs. As such, it is important for seniors and
their families to understand the role that Medicare plays in a stay at a
skilled nursing facility, or nursing home. James, from Durham, North Carolina,
recently assisted his mother in arranging her short-term stay at such a
community. As such, his insight may help you in planning for your elderly loved
one's tenure at a nursing home with the benefits of Medicare coverage.
Why a Short-Term Stay?
Oftentimes, people assume that seniors who move into nursing
homes do so permanently. This is, however, not the case. Many elderly
individuals stay in nursing facilities after an operation or similar medical
complication in order to benefit from the services of around the clock
healthcare professionals. As such, they can rest and recover with the
assistance of skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals.
James' mother's stay at a nearby nursing home is a great
example of this situation. She fell and suffered a broken hip. To recover as
successfully as possible, she opted to move into an assisted living facility
for two months to ensure that the break healed properly.
How Much Does Medicare
Cover?
The amount of the medical expenses incurred during a
short-term stay at a nursing facility really depends upon the number of days
that an individual lives at the community. According to Medicare.gov[1], the
Original Medicare Plan will cover 100 percent of the expenses accumulated if
the stay lasts for 20 or fewer days. For stays lasting 21 to 100 days, Medicare
covers everything except a daily copayment. It is important to note that
Medicare does not contribute to the expenses that are associated with a stay of
over 100 days.
What Is a Copayment?
The copayment of a Medicare plan is similar to that of a
regular insurance policy; however, it can change from year to year. James
encourages you to call to find out the exact copayment that your family will be
responsible for when arranging for your loved one's stay.
Medicare is an important resource for many families. By
understanding the benefits it provides, you can optimize your loved one's
budget.
[1]
http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10153.pdf
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