What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)?

A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides short-term, medically necessary care for patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. SNFs offer 24/7 nursing care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities, often as a transition between hospital and home.

Who needs SNF care?

• Post-hospital recovery: Patients needing rehabilitation after surgery, stroke, or major illness.
• Chronic condition management: Individuals requiring skilled care for ongoing medical needs, such as wound care or IV therapy.
• Medicare-covered stays: Beneficiaries who qualify for short-term SNF care after a hospital stay of at least three days.

Medicare and SNF coverage

• Medicare Part A: Covers up to 100 days of SNF care per benefit period, with full coverage for the first 20 days and cost-sharing after that.
• Medicare Advantage: May offer different coverage limits, co-pays, or network restrictions.
• Private insurance and Medicaid: Coverage varies based on policy details and state eligibility rules.

How Solace can help

Navigating SNF care can be incredibly confusing. A Solace advocate can help you understand Medicare benefits, compare facility options, and coordinate care transitions to prevent gaps in treatment. They’ll also make sure medical records, care plans, and provider communications are properly shared so everyone stays on the same page.

What to do next

Need help finding a skilled nursing facility or sorting out coverage? Find an advocate today.