Skilled Nursing Facility Care

Skilled nursing facilities provide a high level of medical care that includes nursing, rehabilitation, and other care, including medications. Skilled nursing facilities aren’t nursing homes or intermediate facilities. 

You may qualify if you: 

• Are treated in a hospital for at least three consecutive days, not including the day of discharge, and
• You enter the skilled nursing facility within 30 days of the hospital discharge

There’s no day limit as long as the care is medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition..

You need pre-authorization. (Note: If you’re a TRICARE For Life beneficiary, you need a pre-authorization beginning on day 101.)

Covered skilled nursing services include:

• A semi-private room
• Regular nursing services
• Meals (including special diets)
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Drugs provided by the facility
• Medical supplies and appliances

Skilled nursing services are covered only in the U.S., District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

See Also

• Assisted Living
• Custodial Care
• Home Health Care
• Hospice Care
• Long Term Care