How Long Can You Stay in a Skilled Nursing Facility?
Understanding Skilled Nursing Facility Stay Limits and What Comes Next
When a loved one is recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, a skilled nursing facility (SNF) can be a critical part of their healing process. But one common question families ask is: how long can you stay in a skilled nursing facility?
The answer depends on several factors—insurance coverage, medical necessity, and long-term care needs. Knowing the rules and limitations ahead of time can help you avoid unexpected costs and make confident decisions about your loved one’s care journey.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of stays, what Medicare and private insurance cover, and what options are available after a skilled nursing stay ends.
What Is a Skilled Nursing Facility?
A skilled nursing facility provides 24/7 medical care and rehabilitation services from licensed nurses and therapists. Unlike assisted living or personal care homes, SNFs are designed for people who need short-term, intensive medical attention after:
A hospital stay
Surgery or stroke recovery
Severe illness or injury
Common services include wound care, IV therapy, physical therapy, and monitoring of chronic conditions.
Medicare Coverage: How Long Does It Last?
If your loved one qualifies, Medicare Part A will typically cover a short-term skilled nursing stay—but there are limits:
Days 1–20: Covered 100% (no out-of-pocket cost)
Days 21–100: You pay a daily coinsurance (around $200/day in 2025)
After Day 100: Medicare stops paying entirely
To qualify for Medicare coverage:
The patient must have had a 3-day inpatient hospital stay
Admission to the SNF must be within 30 days of that hospital stay
The need for skilled nursing or rehab must be medically necessary
Important: Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care. Once your loved one no longer requires daily skilled services, coverage ends—even if they still need help with daily activities.
What Happens After 100 Days?
Once Medicare coverage runs out or your loved one no longer meets medical criteria, families usually consider other options:
1. Private Pay or Long-Term Care Insurance
Some residents continue staying at the facility by paying out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance. Costs vary, but private pay for a skilled nursing room can range from $250 to $500+ per day.
2. Transition to Assisted Living or Personal Care
If your loved one no longer needs intensive rehab but still needs daily support, an assisted living or personal care residence may be a better (and more affordable) fit.
At Grand Home Senior Living, we specialize in helping families make this transition with ease and dignity. Our team helps assess care needs and coordinates with discharge planners to ensure a smooth move from SNF to supportive living.
3. Home Health or In-Home Care
For seniors who can safely return home, in-home nursing or caregiving services may continue the recovery process. However, this option requires a safe home environment and ongoing family involvement.
Can You Stay in a Skilled Nursing Facility Long-Term?
While skilled nursing is generally intended for short-term rehab, some facilities do offer long-term care beds—but they are not covered by Medicare. This is considered custodial care and must be paid through private funds, Medicaid (if eligible), or long-term care insurance.
Signs It's Time to Transition from Skilled Nursing
Your loved one no longer needs daily medical care
Progress in physical therapy has plateaued
Medicare days are ending
You’re considering a more homelike environment with continued support
Let Grand Home Senior Living Help
At Grand Home Senior Living, we understand how confusing the post-hospital care journey can be. That’s why we offer:
Free care consultations
Help evaluating your loved one’s next best step
Comfortable, family-style residences with personalized personal care
Whether you’re exploring a step-down from skilled nursing or planning for long-term support, we’re here to guide your family every step of the way.
Key Takeaways
Medicare typically covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility if medical criteria are met.
After day 100 or once skilled care is no longer needed, families must consider private pay or transitions.
Long-term stays in a SNF are possible but not covered by Medicare.
Assisted living or personal care is often the best next step for those who need continued support.
Grand Home Senior Living provides guidance, care planning, and dignified living environments for seniors transitioning out of skilled care.
