Many of our Heritage Health senior care locations offer Medicare-Certified skilled nursing care. This means that the Medicare Federal Health Insurance program has determined that our level of care has met or exceeded all standards, and those meeting criteria will benefit from reimbursements. This option allows seniors to have their short-term skilled care needs fully or partially paid for through their Medicare benefit.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65 years of age. There are different types or “parts” of Medicare a resident may have. These are as follows:
- Medicare Part A is hospital insurance, which covers senior hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing home, hospice care, and some home health care. This is the type of Medicare that covers the seniors’ inpatient hospital stay, and short-term skilled nursing stays with certain restrictions. Medicare covers skilled nursing care if a senior spends at least three days in a hospital.
- Medicare Part B is medical insurance and includes certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
- Medicare Part C is a combination of each of the previously mentioned parts packaged together for one cost.
- Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage.
Typically, if a senior has stayed in the hospital three days or more and requires skilled nursing care – such as therapy, wound care, or IV therapy – Medicare Part A will cover a short-term stay in a skilled nursing home often at a 100% reimbursement rate. After a period of days, if extended services are needed, they may pay a smaller percentage of the care required. Seniors often have Medicare supplement insurance – such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, that may cover the remaining balance.
Every individual’s insurance coverage is as unique as their condition. Our experienced team can provide you with very detailed information about your coverage benefits before and during your stay. Please be prepared to provide us with your medical cards or numbers, and we can gain the information you need to make informed decisions.
Our professionals have decades of experience working successfully with the Medicare program so our seniors can make the most of their benefits. While we are not responsible for the program or its administration of funds, we can certainly help you navigate through it to offer ideal financial benefits. Call your local Heritage community today to learn more about Medicare coverage options that exist within your area.