What Does Medicare Assignment Mean?
Medicare assignment means a doctor, provider or supplier agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for a covered service.
Does Medicare Cover Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation?
Last Modified: 10/05/2026 | Reviewed by Keith Armbrecht (NPN 634015)
Quick Summary
Medicare Part A can cover short-term skilled nursing facility care and rehabilitation when Medicare’s coverage requirements are met.
Medicare doesn’t provide unlimited nursing-home coverage.
In 2026, qualifying skilled nursing facility care can be covered for up to 100 days per benefit period.
For Original Medicare, you pay $0 daily coinsurance for days 1–20, $217 per day for days 21–100, and all costs after day 100.
Key Facts
- Skilled nursing coverage is primarily a Part A benefit.
- The facility must be Medicare-certified.
- Medicare coverage is for skilled care, not indefinite custodial care.
- Coverage is limited to 100 days per benefit period.
- Days 1–20: $0 daily SNF coinsurance after applicable Part A requirements.
- Days 21–100: $217/day in 2026.
- Day 101 and beyond: you pay all costs.
- Medicare requires that you need and receive qualifying skilled services.
- Coverage can end before 100 days if skilled care is no longer medically necessary.
- Medigap Plan G and Plan N cover standardized SNF coinsurance benefits.
- Medicare Advantage plans can use different cost-sharing structures.
What Is Skilled Nursing Care?
Skilled nursing facility care can include medically necessary services such as:
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language therapy
- Certain medications and medical supplies
- Other qualifying rehabilitation services
The key word is:
Skilled
Medicare isn’t designed to pay indefinitely for someone who only needs help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing or eating.
2026 Skilled Nursing Costs
Days 1–20
$0 daily coinsurance
after applicable Medicare requirements are satisfied.
Days 21–100
$217 per day
Day 101 and Beyond
You pay all costs.
Does Medicare Guarantee 100 Days?
No.
The 100 days are a maximum, not a guarantee.
Medicare coverage can stop earlier if you no longer require qualifying daily skilled care.
Skilled Nursing vs. Long-Term Care
Skilled Nursing/Rehabilitation
Short-term medical or therapy services.
Medicare can cover this under qualifying conditions.
Custodial Long-Term Care
Help with daily living activities such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Supervision
Medicare generally doesn’t pay for long-term custodial care when that’s the only care needed.
Does Medigap Help?
Yes.
Standardized Plan G and Plan N include coverage of Medicare’s skilled nursing facility coinsurance according to their plan benefits.
Video Explanation from Keith
The Truth About Medicare’s 100 Days of Rehab
Keith's Take
This is probably one of the most misunderstood Medicare rules.
People hear:
“Medicare gives me 100 days in a nursing home.”
That’s not really what the rule says.
Medicare can cover up to 100 days of qualifying skilled nursing care in a benefit period.
If you stop needing skilled care, Medicare can stop paying long before day 100.
And Medicare isn’t designed to pay indefinitely for custodial long-term care.
Keith Armbrecht
Medicare on Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many skilled nursing days does Medicare cover?
A. Up to 100 days per benefit period when coverage requirements continue to be met.
Q. Is the first 20 days free?
A. Under Original Medicare, daily SNF coinsurance is $0 for days 1–20 after applicable Part A requirements.
Q. What do I pay days 21–100 in 2026?
A. $217 per day.
Q. What happens after day 100?
A. You pay all costs.
Q. Am I guaranteed all 100 days?
A. No.
Q. Does Medicare cover long-term nursing-home care?
A. Not when custodial care is the only care needed.
Q. Does Plan G cover the $217 SNF coinsurance?
A. Plan G includes standardized skilled-nursing-facility coinsurance coverage.
Q. Does Plan N?
A. Yes.
Official Government Sources
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