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 necessary .

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