Does Medicare cover a rehab stay in a nursing home?
Sometimes. Part A pays for a short rehab stay after you were in the hospital at least 3 days.
What will you pay?
With Original Medicare: Days 1 to 20: you pay nothing. Days 21 to 100: you pay a set amount each day. After day 100: you pay it all.
With a Medicare Advantage plan: Medicare Advantage plans must cover it too, but your costs and rules can differ. Check your plan. Compare plans near you.
What are the rules?
- You must be admitted to the hospital, not just kept for observation.
- You need daily skilled care, like a nurse or therapist.
- It lasts up to 100 days.
What should you do next?
Compare nursing homesSource: Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care (opens in a new tab). Checked Oct 21, 2026. Costs are for 2026. This is general information, not medical advice.