If you’re helping a loved one transition into nursing care, one of the most pressing questions you may have is: “How long does Medicare pay for nursing home care?” It’s an important question—especially when planning for both short-term recovery and long-term living arrangements.
In this guide, we’ll break down what Medicare covers (and what it doesn’t), how long that coverage lasts, and how full-service communities like Mari de Villa in Chesterfield can support your family’s care and financial planning needs.
Understanding Medicare’s Role in Nursing Home Care
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older. While it provides essential coverage for medical services, it’s important to know that Medicare’s coverage for nursing home care is limited—especially when it comes to long-term stays.
How Long Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care?
Medicare Part A may help pay for short-term care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after a qualifying hospital stay. Here’s how the timeline works:
| Days in SNF | What Medicare Pays | What You Pay |
| Days 1–20 | 100% of covered costs | $0 |
| Days 21–100 | All but a daily coinsurance amount | $204/day in 2024 (subject to change annually) |
| Day 101 and beyond | $0 (Medicare ends coverage) | You pay 100% of costs |
To qualify, your loved one must have had a minimum 3-day inpatient hospital stay and need skilled nursing or rehab services for a medical condition related to that stay.
💡 Important: Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, meals) unless skilled care is also needed.
What Medicare Does NOT Cover in Nursing Homes
While Medicare helps with short-term rehabilitation, it doesn’t cover:
- Long-term stays in nursing homes
- Assisted living services
- Custodial care without skilled needs
- Private rooms (unless medically necessary)
- Non-medical support like help with daily tasks
This is where families often turn to long-term care insurance, Medicaid, or private pay options.
Explore more options on Medicare’s care coverage page.
How Mari de Villa Supports Families with Care Transitions
At Mari de Villa, we understand that navigating Medicare, insurance, and long-term care planning can be overwhelming. As a full-service, family-owned Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), we help you prepare for every stage of senior living.
Here’s what we offer beyond Medicare’s limitations:
- 24/7 skilled nursing care available long-term
- On-site rehabilitation services following hospital stays
- Personalized care plans that adapt to changing needs
- All-inclusive pricing—no surprise billing
- A seamless transition from short-term recovery to long-term care
Learn how we compare to other options in our blog on Private Duty Caregiver vs. Residential Senior Living.
Planning Ahead: What St. Louis Families Should Know
It’s natural to hope that Medicare will ease the financial burden of nursing care—but it’s equally important to plan for what comes after the initial 100 days. Families who plan early tend to make smoother transitions when additional care is needed.
We encourage you to ask:
- Do we have long-term care coverage or a financial plan beyond Medicare?
- Is a short-term rehab stay likely to turn into long-term care needs?
- Would a community with a full continuum of care like Mari de Villa offer more peace of mind?
Contact our team for help understanding your options and building a personalized care plan.
Why St. Louis Families Choose Mari de Villa
For over 60 years, Mari de Villa has been a trusted name in senior living. Located in Chesterfield, Missouri, we offer:
- A full continuum of care under one roof
- Skilled nursing, memory care, assisted and independent living
- Elegant private suites with around-the-clock medical support
- Compassionate staff who treat residents like family
Whether you’re recovering after a hospital stay or planning for the future, Mari de Villa provides the support, security, and comfort your family deserves.
For more information, read these pieces from AARP or U.S. News
